Harvey Ellen K PHD in Baltimore: Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychological Evaluation
Harvey Ellen K PHD is a clinical psychologist in Baltimore offering neuropsychological assessment, cognitive testing, and psychological evaluation for adults and older adults. The practice serves referrals from primary care physicians, neurologists, and geriatricians seeking detailed diagnostic clarity on memory, attention, executive function, and mood changes, as well as patients seeking comprehensive psychological evaluation before psychiatric medication adjustment or specialty care.
What this practice actually is
A neuropsychology-focused private practice, not a hospital-based clinic or group practice. The practice conducts standardized cognitive testing that goes beyond a standard office screen, identifying specific patterns in processing speed, memory retention, language function, and reasoning that can point to mild cognitive impairment, dementia, depression mimicking cognitive decline, or attention disorders in adults 50 and up. Referrals come from Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Maryland Medical System, and independent neurologists around Baltimore County and the city. The practice does not provide ongoing therapy, medication management, or crisis intervention; it generates a detailed report for the referring provider to guide next steps.
Services and evaluation scope
Neuropsychological assessment is the core service: a two- to four-hour session of computer-based and paper-and-pencil tests measuring memory, language, visuospatial skills, attention, processing speed, and executive function. The battery is tailored to the referral question. Cost for full neuropsychological evaluation typically ranges from $2,000 to $3,500, depending on test battery length and whether additional sessions are needed; confirm the exact fee at intake, as testing complexity varies. Some insurance plans cover neuropsychology at the same rate as standard psychological evaluation (typically 60 to 80 percent of the assessment fee if in-network); others require a precertification. Out-of-network cost is the responsibility of the patient unless a deductible is being met.
Brief cognitive screening (15 to 30 minutes, $200 to $400) is available for patients who need a quick snapshot for a primary care visit or follow-up, though neuropsychological testing provides far more diagnostic specificity.
Psychological evaluation for mood, anxiety, and personality profile is offered alongside or separate from cognitive testing, particularly when depression or anxiety may be contributing to reported memory or attention complaints.
How this compares to other Baltimore neuropsychology options
Baltimore has limited private neuropsychology practices. Johns Hopkins Neurology and the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Johns Hopkins run their own cognitive evaluation programs, typically for patients already in their health systems; those practices accept insurance but have longer wait times (4 to 8 weeks) and are embedded in a hospital referral pipeline. University of Maryland's Division of Geriatric Medicine offers neuropsychological consultation for patients with complex medical histories, also within a health-system framework. Independent practices like Harvey Ellen K PHD provide faster scheduling (often 1 to 3 weeks), direct communication between the psychologist and your referring doctor, and a report that can go to any specialist you choose, not just within a hospital network. Choose a hospital-based clinic if your neurologist is already within Johns Hopkins or UMD and prefers coordinated care on one record; choose independent practice if you need a faster turnaround or want the flexibility to share results with multiple providers.
Who this practice suits and who it does not
This practice suits anyone with a referral from a neurologist, geriatrician, or primary care doctor who suspects cognitive change, memory loss, or attention problems in an adult over 45. It is particularly useful for people distinguishing between normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, early dementia, depression-related cognitive slowing, or ADHD diagnosed later in life. It also serves people preparing for neurosurgery, considering medication changes, or needing detailed cognitive baseline documentation for legal or disability purposes.
This practice does not suit people seeking ongoing therapy, crisis mental health support, or medication management. Patients whose primary concern is depression or anxiety without cognitive questions may be better served by community mental health centers, private therapists, or psychiatrists. It is not a walk-in service and does not accommodate same-day referrals.
What the first visit involves
After a referral is received, the practice contacts the patient to schedule. The intake appointment includes a detailed history covering education, work, medical and medication history, and specific cognitive or behavioral changes the person or their doctor has noticed. Cognitive testing follows, administered in a quiet, private office setting. A second session may be scheduled if the first session is lengthy or if additional testing is warranted. Results are typically available in 1 to 2 weeks, delivered first to the referring provider, with a copy provided to the patient and explanation offered during a brief feedback session.
Hours, location, and logistics
The practice is located in Baltimore city, open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Street parking is available nearby; confirm parking availability or ask about dedicated clinic parking at the time of scheduling. Appointments are by referral and scheduling only; walk-in is not available. Each patient should plan for 2 to 4 hours total across one or two appointments.
Harvey Ellen K PHD fills a diagnostic role that cannot be fully replaced by a standard office visit or online cognitive screening, making it essential for anyone whose primary care provider or neurologist has flagged possible cognitive change and needs a detailed roadmap before pursuing expensive imaging or specialist care.
