William Stixrud PhD & Associates in Baltimore: Neuropsychology-Focused Counseling for ADHD, Learning, and Executive Function

William Stixrud PhD & Associates is a neuropsychology-informed private counseling practice in Baltimore specializing in assessment and treatment of attention disorders, learning differences, and executive function challenges across children, adolescents, and adults. The practice draws on neurobiological frameworks to distinguish between behavioral, developmental, and learning-based concerns rather than treating surface symptoms alone.

What the practice actually does

Stixrud and his clinical team conduct comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations to identify the root causes of academic struggle, attention difficulties, or behavioral concerns. These evaluations typically span multiple sessions and include cognitive testing, learning assessments, behavioral rating scales, and clinical interviews. The practice then develops treatment plans that may include individual therapy, coaching on executive function strategies, family consultation, and recommendations for school accommodations or medical workup. This diagnostic depth means the practice is not a drop-in counseling office; it requires commitment to a structured, multi-session assessment process before ongoing care begins.

Assessment costs and what a full evaluation involves

Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations at Stixrud typically range from $3,000 to $5,000 depending on complexity and whether testing includes learning assessment, behavioral evaluation, or both. A standard evaluation spans 6 to 10 hours of clinical time distributed across 3 to 5 appointments. The practice accepts most major insurance plans, though coverage varies; many plans cover a portion of evaluation costs as a medical service when ordered by a physician, but the patient should verify their specific deductible and out-of-pocket responsibility before scheduling. Ongoing individual therapy or coaching sessions after evaluation typically run $150 to $250 per hour. Many families ask whether they can request an evaluation through their child's school instead; Baltimore County and Baltimore City public schools do provide free evaluations through special education departments, but school assessments are often delayed and focus narrowly on eligibility rather than the detailed executive function and learning profile that a private evaluation provides.

How Stixrud compares to other Baltimore assessment and counseling options

The practice occupies a distinct niche. Pediatricians and family medicine doctors in Baltimore can screen for ADHD using questionnaires and may prescribe medication, but they typically do not conduct formal learning or neuropsych testing. Child psychologists and licensed clinical social workers offering standard talk therapy in Baltimore can address behavioral and emotional concerns, but many do not have specialized training in how attention, executive function, and learning disabilities interact. School psychologists are bound to educational criteria and do not typically recommend private medical care or coaching outside school. Stixrud's combination of neuropsychology expertise and treatment follow-up means families get both diagnosis and a pathway forward rather than a referral to start from scratch elsewhere. For families who need a faster, lower-cost screening, some Baltimore primary care practices now use ADHD nurse practitioners or behavioral health providers trained in brief assessment; those routes cost less but yield less detailed information about learning or executive strengths and weaknesses. For families seeking evaluation primarily for medication management, a pediatric psychiatrist or developmental pediatrician in Baltimore may be faster and less costly.

Who this practice suits and who might choose elsewhere

The practice is best for families and adults who suspect ADHD, learning disabilities, or executive function struggles are at the root of academic or work performance problems and who want a thorough explanation before or alongside treatment. It suits people comfortable with the cost and time commitment of a multi-session evaluation and families already in the Baltimore school system who need independent documentation of learning differences for accommodations. It is less suitable for people in acute crisis (the evaluation timeline is not fast), those with limited transportation to in-person appointments, or people whose insurance does not cover neuropsych services and who cannot absorb the out-of-pocket cost. Parents seeking only ADHD medication evaluation and management may find a pediatric psychiatrist or developmental pediatrician faster. Adults without school or work context for testing (e.g., retired individuals curious about cognitive aging) fall outside the practice's primary focus.

What the first appointment involves

New patients are usually scheduled for an intake session lasting 60 to 90 minutes. The clinician reviews the person's developmental history, current symptoms, academic or work performance, family background, and prior testing or diagnosis. For children, parents attend; for adolescents and adults, the format is flexible. The clinician then discusses whether a full neuropsychological evaluation is warranted, what it will measure, what it costs, and the realistic timeline. Not every intake proceeds to formal testing; some clients discover they need a different type of support, such as coaching or family counseling, and others opt for a referral to a psychiatrist for medication evaluation first. This step prevents unnecessary testing and clarifies expectations upfront.

Hours, location, and logistics

Stixrud's office is located in Baltimore and operates by appointment only; no walk-in counseling is available. Office hours are typically Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional evening or Friday slots depending on clinician availability. Parking is available on-site. The practice does not hold a formal waiting list; new patient appointment availability varies seasonally and may be 2 to 6 weeks out. Confirm specific hours and current wait times by phone or the practice website, as clinical staffing can shift.

The practice has earned its place in Baltimore's mental health landscape by treating assessment as a clinical tool that informs treatment, not a box to check, which distinguishes it from schools, general practitioners, and practitioners without neuropsychology training.