ADHD Evaluation & Testing in California: A Clinician-Curated Guide by Insurance
Last updated: April 2026. This is a living document. I update it as I learn about new practices, verify insurance panels, and hear back from patients about their experiences. If you've had a great (or not great) experience with a practice listed here, I'd love to hear about it.
Why This Guide Exists
Finding quality ADHD testing that your insurance actually covers is harder than it should be. Insurance directories are clunky and full of ghost listings. Practice websites don't always clarify whether testing (not just therapy) is covered in-network. And "ADHD evaluation" can mean very different things depending on who's doing it.
I built this guide from the referrals I actually make for my own patients. Every practice listed here is one I've researched, and I've noted what I know and what I don't. This is not a paid directory - no one has asked to be on this list, and I have no financial relationship with any of these practices.
What Kind of Evaluation Are You Looking For?
Before you start calling, it helps to know there are a few different types of ADHD evaluation. They're not interchangeable, and they answer slightly different questions.
ADHD is a clinical diagnosis. No one test, scan, questionnaire, or checklist that makes the call.
It comes down to what’s called “clinical judgment” from a clinician with specialized training - someone who understands that ADHD is a lifelong pattern (not a snapshot), who knows what mimics it (anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, hormonal changes, trauma), what overlaps with it, and what makes it harder to see. Because of this, some insurance companies consider neuropsychological testing for ADHD 'not medically necessary' on its own. In practice, though, when there are other diagnostic questions in play - is it ADHD, or depression affecting concentration? Could a past concussion be a factor? Are there co-occurring learning differences? - formal testing is more likely to be approved, because those are exactly the questions neuropsychological evaluation is designed to untangle.
Neuropsychological Testing
This is the most comprehensive option. A neuropsychologist (a psychologist with specialized training in brain-behavior relationships) administers standardized cognitive tests - measuring attention, memory, executive functioning, processing speed, and more - alongside a clinical interview. You'll receive a detailed written report with diagnoses and specific recommendations. Typically takes 3-6 hours total across one or two sessions.
Best for: Complex diagnostic questions, ruling out other conditions (learning disabilities, cognitive decline, etc.), situations where you need formal documentation for accommodations at work or school.
Psychological Evaluation
A licensed psychologist conducts a clinical interview combined with validated rating scales, questionnaires, and sometimes targeted cognitive testing. Less extensive than a full neuropsych battery, but can be thorough and well-suited for ADHD-focused questions.
Best for: More straightforward presentations where the primary question is "is this ADHD?"
Psychiatric Evaluation
A psychiatrist uses clinical interview, symptom history, rating scales, and differential diagnosis to evaluate ADHD. No standardized cognitive testing, but sometimes a brief computer test may be incolved. The advantage is that the same clinician can also diagnose and treat co-occurring conditions (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder) and prescribe medication if indicated.
Best for: People who also want treatment from the same clinician, or who have other psychiatric concerns alongside the ADHD question.
Tips Before You Call
Get your insurance card out. Know exactly what it says - "Blue Cross" and "Blue Shield" are different companies in California. Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, and Blue Cross Blue Shield are all separate entities with different networks.
Ask about testing specifically. Many practices are in-network for therapy but out-of-network for testing.
"I'm looking for neuropsychological or psychological testing for ADHD. Can you confirm whether testing services - not just therapy - are covered in-network under my plan?"
Ask about prior authorization. Some plans require your clinician to get pre-approval before testing. Some don't. Better to know upfront than to get a surprise bill.
"Do I need prior authorization for psychological testing? The CPT codes would be 96130-96133 and 96136-96139."
Know that some insurers consider neuropsych testing for ADHD "not medically necessary." This doesn't mean it won't be covered, but it means you may hit extra hurdles. Framing the referral question to include differential diagnosis (not just "confirm ADHD") can sometimes help.
"My clinician is referring me for evaluation to clarify whether my symptoms are due to ADHD, anxiety, depression, or another condition. Is this type of diagnostic testing covered?"
PPO plans typically have out-of-network benefits. If none of the in-network options work, you may be able to see an out-of-network practice and submit for partial reimbursement (often 50-80% after deductible).
"What are my out-of-network benefits for neuropsychological testing? What's my out-of-network deductible, and what percentage do you reimburse after that?"
In-Network Options By Insurance
Anthem Blue Cross (Blue Cross PPO)
In California, "Blue Cross" almost always means Anthem Blue Cross, which is the trade name of Blue Cross of California and the BCBS licensee for the state.
In-network options:
SF Stress & Anxiety Center | sfstress.com San Francisco (in-person) + telehealth across CA. Lists Anthem Blue Cross CA as an accepted insurer. They have a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist (ABPP-CN) on their testing team. Offers comprehensive ADHD evaluations for adults with clinical interview, standardized cognitive testing, and detailed written report. Confirm with them that testing (not just therapy) is covered under your specific plan.
California Brain Health Center | californiabrainhealth.com Formally contracted with Anthem. Neuropsychological evaluations run about 3-4 hours including clinical interview, cognitive testing, and a separate feedback session with written report.
Sunshine Neuropsychology | sunshineneuropsychology.com Solo clinical neuropsychologist practice (Dr. James Taylor) based in Tracy, CA. Lists Anthem Blue Cross as in-network. Does ADHD-specific evaluations and offers telehealth across California. Bilingual (English/Spanish). Smaller practice, so there may be a waitlist.
Minder Memory Center | mindermemory.com Telehealth neuropsychology - evaluation done from home via Zoom. Team has strong credentials (UCSD, UCLA-trained, some board-certified neuropsychologists). Newer company (founded 2022), so quality may vary by clinician. For insurance patients, they typically do the full evaluation rather than their abbreviated "dual-phase" process. Worth considering if convenience or a shorter wait matters most. Verify your specific Anthem plan is in-network.
LifeStance Health | lifestance.com Large multi-state practice that accepts Anthem in California and offers neuropsychological testing. Quality depends on which individual clinician you're matched with (the tradeoff with bigger group practices), but they have availability and infrastructure. Call their intake team directly to schedule testing.
Psychiatrists:
Dr. Renuka Kharkar, Psychiatric Wellness Center | psychwellnesscenter.com UCLA-trained, board-certified psychiatrist based in San Diego. Accepts Blue Cross and offers telehealth across California. Does comprehensive psychiatric ADHD evaluations including clinical interview, symptom checklists, and differential diagnosis.
Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California is a completely separate company from Anthem Blue Cross. If your card says "Blue Shield," you're here.
In-network options:
SF Stress & Anxiety Center | sfstress.com Lists Blue Shield of California as an accepted insurer. Board-certified clinical neuropsychologist on staff. In-person (San Francisco) and telehealth evaluations. Same caveat: confirm testing specifically is covered under your plan.
Sunshine Neuropsychology | sunshineneuropsychology.com Lists Blue Shield as in-network. Solo clinical neuropsychologist, telehealth across CA. ADHD-specific evaluations available. May have a waitlist.
Minder Memory Center | mindermemory.com Verify Blue Shield of CA in-network status before booking. Same notes as the Anthem section.
LifeStance Health | lifestance.com Has a dedicated Blue Shield of California insurance page and offers neuropsychological testing. Same notes as above - call intake directly for testing.
Psychiatrists:
Dr. Renuka Kharkar, Psychiatric Wellness Center | psychwellnesscenter.com UCLA-trained, board-certified psychiatrist based in San Diego. Accepts Blue Cross and offers telehealth across California. Does comprehensive psychiatric ADHD evaluations including clinical interview, symptom checklists, and differential diagnosis.
Aetna
Helyx Health (Dr. Jessica Foley) | helyxhealth.org This is who I send people to when they have Aetna. Dr. Foley is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist (ABPP-CN) with UCSF faculty appointment, Harvard and UCLA training, and 20+ years of experience doing ADHD, autism, and learning disability evaluations. Locations in San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Beverly Hills, with telehealth available. In-network with Aetna.
SF Stress & Anxiety Center | sfstress.com Lists Aetna as accepted. Board-certified neuropsychologist on testing team. In-person (SF) and telehealth. Confirm testing is covered under your specific plan.
California Brain Health Center | californiabrainhealth.com Formally contracted with Aetna. Comprehensive neuropsych evaluations with written report and feedback session.
Sunshine Neuropsychology | sunshineneuropsychology.com Lists Aetna as in-network. Solo clinical neuropsychologist, telehealth across CA, bilingual English/Spanish. May have a waitlist.
Minder Memory Center | mindermemory.com Verify Blue Shield of CA in-network status before booking. Same notes as the Anthem section.
LifeStance Health | lifestance.com Accepts Aetna in California. Call their intake team directly for testing.
Psychiatrists:
Dr. Renuka Kharkar, Psychiatric Wellness Center | psychwellnesscenter.com UCLA-trained, board-certified psychiatrist based in San Diego. Accepts Blue Cross and offers telehealth across California. Does comprehensive psychiatric ADHD evaluations including clinical interview, symptom checklists, and differential diagnosis.
Cigna
Helyx Health (Dr. Jessica Foley) | helyxhealth.org Same recommendation as Aetna above. Dr. Foley is board-certified (ABPP-CN), UCSF faculty, 20+ years of experience with ADHD and neurodevelopmental evaluations. In-network with Cigna. San Francisco, Palo Alto, Beverly Hills, telehealth available.
SF Stress & Anxiety Center | sfstress.com Lists Cigna as accepted. Board-certified neuropsychologist on staff. In-person (SF) and telehealth. Confirm testing coverage.
California Brain Health Center | californiabrainhealth.com Formally contracted with Cigna. Comprehensive neuropsych evaluations.
LifeStance Health | lifestance.com Accepts Cigna in California. Call intake for testing.
Minder Memory Center | mindermemory.com Verify Blue Shield of CA in-network status before booking. Same notes as the Anthem section.
Psychiatrists:
Dr. Renuka Kharkar, Psychiatric Wellness Center | psychwellnesscenter.com UCLA-trained, board-certified psychiatrist based in San Diego. Accepts Blue Cross and offers telehealth across California. Does comprehensive psychiatric ADHD evaluations including clinical interview, symptom checklists, and differential diagnosis.
United Healthcare / Optum
SF Stress & Anxiety Center | sfstress.com Lists Optum as accepted. Board-certified neuropsychologist on testing team. In-person (SF) and telehealth. Confirm testing is covered under your plan.
California Brain Health Center | californiabrainhealth.com Formally contracted with United Healthcare. Comprehensive neuropsych evaluations with written report and feedback session.
Sunshine Neuropsychology | sunshineneuropsychology.com Lists Optum/United Healthcare as in-network. Solo clinical neuropsychologist, telehealth across CA. May have a waitlist.
Minder Memory Center | mindermemory.com Verify Blue Shield of CA in-network status before booking. Same notes as the Anthem section.
LifeStance Health | lifestance.com Accepts United Healthcare in California. Call intake for testing.
Psychiatrists:
Dr. Renuka Kharkar, Psychiatric Wellness Center | psychwellnesscenter.com UCLA-trained, board-certified psychiatrist based in San Diego. Accepts Blue Cross and offers telehealth across California. Does comprehensive psychiatric ADHD evaluations including clinical interview, symptom checklists, and differential diagnosis.
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser operates as a closed system, meaning you'll generally need to get testing through Kaiser's own providers and referral process. This can mean longer wait times for neuropsychological evaluations. If you're a Kaiser member and want to pursue outside testing, you would typically be paying out-of-pocket (see below).
Out-of-Network Options (Any Insurance)
These practices don't take insurance directly, but if you have a PPO plan, you can usually submit for partial reimbursement. For a focused ADHD evaluation (as opposed to a full neuropsych battery for complex questions), expect to pay roughly $800-$2,000.
Some will require all or a portion of the visit be in person, some will allow 100% remote.
Bay Area / Peninsula:
Dr. Sarah Asmussen | theclinicca.org Clinical neuropsychologist with nearly two decades of experience. Evaluations in Palo Alto and San Jose, telemedicine statewide. Previously at Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, with training at Barrow Neurological Institute. Does comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations across the lifespan, including ADHD, ASD, depression, and anxiety. Also offers therapy (integrative approach - mindfulness, CBT, psychodynamic), which is unusual for a neuropsychologist and means she can contextualize testing results within an ongoing clinical relationship.
Haven Cognitive Care (Dr. Joelle Broffman) | havencognitivecare.com Board-certified clinical neuropsychologist (ABPP-CN). Offices in Campbell and Mountain View. Slated to be the 2026 President of the Northern California Neuropsychology Forum. Trained at UCLA and Pepperdine, with clinical training at Rancho Los Amigos and VA Palo Alto Polytrauma. Particular strengths: older adults, age-related cognitive change, post-acute neurological injury (stroke, TBI, hypoxic/anoxic), and building compensatory strategies for patients with declining skills. Also does cognitive rehabilitation, not just evaluation. Provides superbills for OON reimbursement.
Bay Area Cognitive Health (Dr. Catherine Marreiro) | bayareacognitivehealth.com Board-certified clinical neuropsychologist (ABPP-CN). Also Director of Neuropsychology at the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center at California Pacific Medical Center/Sutter Health. President of the Northern California Neuropsychology Forum. If you're looking for more than a straight clinical evaluation - someone embedded in a research and clinical trials environment with institutional depth - this is that. Expertise spans ADHD, learning disorders, dementia, TBI/concussion, stroke, movement disorders, and chronic pain. San Francisco and Burlingame.
Dr. Andrea Alioto | andreaaliotophd@gmail.com Board-certified clinical neuropsychologist. Full-time at Kaiser Santa Clara (adults and older adults), building private practice. Trained at Palo Alto University with practica at VA Palo Alto, UCSF Memory and Aging Center, and UCSF Movement Disorder Center. Postdoctoral fellowship at UC Davis Neurology. Deep experience with early-onset and atypical dementias, brain tumors, TBI, stroke, developmental disorders, and ADHD. Also experienced in disentangling autism and ADHD, and has background in social skills assessment - helpful for patients where that overlap is the real question. Portola Valley/Palo Alto/Los Altos area.
Pasadena
The Center for Connection | thecenterforconnection.org Pasadena. Team of experienced neuropsychologists doing adult ADHD and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Relational, strengths-based approach. In-person.
Huntington Psychological Services | huntingtonpsych.com Pasadena. Comprehensive ADHD evaluations for adults. They will file out-of-network insurance claims on your behalf for potential reimbursement.
What I Do
I'm a psychiatrist, so what I offer falls in the "psychiatric evaluation" category. As part of my ADHD evaluations, I have patients complete several validated questionnaires before we meet, complete a computer-based attention task, and our first two-hour visit covers a comprehensive mental health history. It typically takes 1-2 additional visits for a focused ADHD clinical interview. This works well on its own, and it works even better when we can layer in formal neuropsychological testing results. That's why I often recommend patients start the testing process in parallel with our work together.
If you'd like to work with me, you can learn more and get started at [patriciapopmd.com].
This guide is for informational purposes only. Insurance panels change, practices open and close, and your specific plan may differ from what's listed here. Always verify coverage directly with both the practice and your insurance company before scheduling. I do my best to keep this current, but I can't guarantee accuracy.
Patricia Pop, MD | Board-Certified Psychiatrist | patriciapopmd.com