Anita L. Dworkin in Baltimore: Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychological Assessment

Anita L. Dworkin, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in Baltimore specializing in neuropsychological assessment and cognitive evaluation. She holds a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and operates a private practice focused on evaluating memory, attention, executive function, and other aspects of brain-based cognition in adults. Her work serves patients seeking diagnostic clarity around cognitive decline, suspected dementia, traumatic brain injury, and learning difficulties in adulthood, as well as professionals, families, and healthcare providers who need objective test results to guide treatment or placement decisions.

What neuropsychological assessment involves

Neuropsychology differs from general talk therapy or psychiatric evaluation. A neuropsychologist administers a battery of standardized tests, usually over one or more sessions, to measure how a person thinks, remembers, pays attention, solves problems, and processes language and spatial information. The goal is to identify patterns of strength and weakness, rule out or confirm cognitive disorders, and generate specific findings a primary care doctor, neurologist, psychiatrist, or care team can act on. Results often influence diagnoses, medication adjustments, accommodations at work or school, or recommendations for assisted living or memory care.

Dworkin's practice emphasizes comprehensive evaluation rather than brief screening. A full neuropsychological workup typically takes 4 to 8 hours across multiple appointments, depending on the referral question and complexity. This length allows thorough testing and reduces noise from fatigue or anxiety affecting a single session.

Who refers and when to seek this service

Neuropsychological assessment is typically ordered by a neurologist, internist, psychiatrist, or geriatrician investigating cognitive complaints. Primary indications include suspected Alzheimer's disease or other dementia, cognitive effects of stroke or brain injury, ADHD diagnosis in adults, medication side effects affecting cognition, and evaluation of cognitive reserve before major surgery. Patients can also self-refer if they notice memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, or changes in thinking and want objective data before seeing a specialist.

Baltimore neurology practices, geriatric medicine clinics at Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland Medical Center, and local memory care communities frequently refer to neuropsychologists for diagnostic or baseline testing. If your doctor mentions neuropsychological evaluation, ask for a referral by name; if you're concerned about your own cognition and don't have a neurologist, starting with your primary care doctor is a practical first step.

Insurance, testing time, and practice logistics

Dworkin accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare, though coverage for neuropsychological testing varies by plan and referral diagnosis. Authorizations often require a clinical note from the referring physician; verify coverage before scheduling to avoid out-of-pocket surprise. Contact the practice directly to confirm whether she accepts your specific plan and whether pre-authorization is needed.

A typical initial appointment includes a detailed history (1 to 2 hours) and cognitive testing (2 to 4 hours), sometimes split across two days. Results are compiled into a written report, usually delivered within 2 to 3 weeks, and Dworkin typically provides a feedback session to walk through findings with the patient and referring physician.

The practice is located in North Baltimore, accessible from the I-83 corridor and Charles Street. Parking is available on-site. Appointments typically run during standard business hours, Monday through Friday; call ahead to confirm current hours and availability, as neuropsychological practices often have longer booking windows than general practitioners.

How Dworkin compares to other Baltimore neuropsychologists

Baltimore has several neuropsychologists in private and hospital-affiliated settings. Johns Hopkins offers neuropsychological testing through its neurology and neurosurgery departments, often with shorter wait times for established patients but longer if you are self-referred. University of Maryland Medical Center and Sinai Hospital also provide testing through neurology. Private practitioners like Dworkin typically allow more schedule flexibility and direct access without a hospital system referral filter, though expect to wait 4 to 8 weeks for an appointment.

Choose Dworkin if you have a referral but value independent practice logistics and continuity with one psychologist throughout testing. Choose a hospital-based service if your insurer strongly prefers in-system care or if your neurologist is part of that health system and can prioritize your case internally.

First visit and what to bring

On your first appointment, bring any medical records relevant to your cognitive concerns (recent imaging, lab work, medication list, prior psychiatric or neurological evaluations). If you were referred by a doctor, bring the referral request, which outlines the specific questions the evaluation should answer. This clarity helps Dworkin tailor the test battery. Bring your insurance card and a valid ID.

Plan for the first appointment to last 1.5 to 2 hours. Testing itself is not painful or invasive; it consists of pencil-and-paper tasks, verbal questions, and occasional computer-based activities. Fatigue is normal. Being mentally sharp at the start of testing matters, so schedule morning appointments if possible and avoid scheduling immediately after a long work day.

Dworkin's focus on thorough, individualized assessment makes her a reliable choice when cognitive concerns need clarity before major medical or life decisions.