Fishel Lawrence R PhD in Baltimore: Psychologist and Neuropsychological Testing

Fishel Lawrence R PhD is a clinical psychologist with a focus on neuropsychological assessment and psychological evaluation in Baltimore. The practice operates as an independent, private office serving individuals referred through their primary care physicians, psychiatrists, or seeking direct private evaluation for cognitive, learning, and behavioral concerns.

What This Practice Does

Neuropsychological evaluation is testing that maps cognitive function, memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function to diagnose conditions like mild cognitive impairment, learning disabilities, ADHD, and the cognitive effects of stroke or traumatic brain injury. Unlike a standard psychological interview or a single IQ test administered in a school system, neuropsych assessment uses a battery of validated instruments administered over multiple hours, often across multiple sessions. Fishel conducts full evaluations and specializes in cases where differential diagnosis is unclear: distinguishing depression from cognitive decline, or learning disability from ADHD, for example. This level of testing is most commonly ordered by physicians managing older adults or individuals with complex medical or psychiatric histories.

Services and Evaluation Timeline

A full neuropsychological evaluation with Fishel typically spans two to four office visits, each lasting two to four hours. The first appointment includes clinical history, cognitive screening, and the start of testing. Subsequent appointments complete the battery. Testing is followed by scoring, interpretation, and a detailed written report, usually delivered within two to three weeks. The report includes specific scores, clinical interpretation, and recommendations for treatment, school accommodations, or workplace modifications.

Cost for a full evaluation ranges from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on battery scope and complexity. Insurance coverage is inconsistent; most plans require prior authorization and may classify the service as out-of-network. Verify your plan's coverage and out-of-pocket maximum with your insurer before scheduling. Some primary care offices in Baltimore will submit the authorization request on behalf of the patient; ask when you call.

When to Choose Neuropsych Testing Over Simpler Screening

Fishel's practice serves patients whose cognitive picture is complex or who need diagnostic precision that a single questionnaire or office screening cannot provide. A primary care doctor may order a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to screen for mild cognitive impairment; if that result is borderline or unclear, or if the patient's history includes depression, sleep apnea, or other treatable conditions that mimic cognitive decline, neuropsych testing by a specialist can pinpoint whether decline is real or attributable to another factor. Similarly, a child flagged as having attention problems in school may benefit from formal neuropsych evaluation if classroom performance, family reports, and teacher observations conflict, or if the source of the difficulty (ADHD, anxiety, learning disability, or mixed factors) is unclear.

For straightforward ADHD diagnosis in adolescents and adults, or for cognitive screening in healthy older adults, a psychiatrist's evaluation with standardized behavior rating scales may be sufficient and less costly. Neuropsych testing is justified when the question is genuinely complex or when the stakes are high—disability determination, school placement decisions, or treatment planning for a patient with multiple medical comorbidities.

Who This Practice Suits and Does Not Suit

Fishel's practice is appropriate for adults and adolescents referred by a physician or seeking independent evaluation for cognitive concerns, learning disability assessment, or ADHD diagnosis when simpler approaches have not resolved the question. It suits individuals with private insurance, self-pay capacity, or Maryland Medicaid, depending on Fishel's acceptance policies; call to confirm Medicaid participation. Parents seeking evaluation for children with learning or developmental concerns should confirm that the practice accepts pediatric cases, as some neuropsychologists limit their work to adults.

This practice is not appropriate for acute mental health crises, medication management, or therapy. It does not offer psychiatric care or ongoing counseling. For those without insurance or limited out-of-pocket funds, the cost barrier is real; university-based psychology clinics (such as those at the University of Maryland or Johns Hopkins) sometimes offer testing at reduced fees through graduate training programs.

First Visit and Appointment Scheduling

At the first appointment, bring medical records, previous test results (school evaluations, IQ testing, imaging), medication lists, and a summary of the specific concerns prompting the referral. Expect cognitive screening tasks, standardized questionnaires, and a detailed interview about personal, medical, and family history. Neuropsych testing is not a conversation; it is structured, monitored administration of timed cognitive tasks. Bring glasses or hearing aids if you use them. Plan for fatigue afterward. Testing cannot be rushed; an incomplete session may delay the final report.

Call ahead to confirm whether a referral letter from your doctor is required, whether insurance pre-authorization is necessary, and to schedule your appointments. Wait times for an initial appointment can range from one to six weeks depending on the season and complexity of the case.

Location, Hours, and Logistics

Confirm the office address, hours of operation, parking availability, and wheelchair accessibility directly with the practice before your appointment. Neuropsych testing is not suitable for virtual telehealth; this practice operates as an in-person office only.

Fishel Lawrence R PhD provides the specialized assessment infrastructure Baltimore's medical community needs when standard cognitive screening is insufficient and diagnostic precision is essential to treatment planning or educational placement.