Joan M. Starr, PhD in Baltimore: Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychological Assessment

Joan M. Starr, PhD, is a clinical psychologist specializing in neuropsychological assessment and cognitive evaluation in Baltimore. Her practice focuses on diagnosing memory disorders, attention deficits, and age-related cognitive decline through standardized testing, then connecting patients with treatment and management strategies tailored to those findings. She practices as an independent provider, accepting most major insurance plans and self-pay patients.

What Joan M. Starr, PhD actually does

Starr holds a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and operates a focused neuropsychology practice rather than a general mental-health clinic. Neuropsychological assessment differs from standard psychological evaluation: it uses timed, validated tests to measure specific cognitive domains—memory, processing speed, executive function, language, visuospatial skills—and ties results to brain function or dysfunction. This type of testing is often ordered by primary-care physicians, neurologists, or geriatricians when a patient reports cognitive symptoms but the cause is unclear. Starr's practice serves adolescents and adults, with particular experience evaluating older adults for dementia screening and younger patients for learning disabilities or attention disorders.

Services and typical costs

A full neuropsychological evaluation with Starr typically includes a clinical interview, cognitive testing lasting 4 to 8 hours across one or two visits, computerized testing components, and a written report with recommendations. Costs run $1,500 to $2,500 for a comprehensive battery, depending on complexity. Insurance coverage varies significantly: Medicare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna often cover portions of the assessment when ordered by a physician and coded as medically necessary. Patients should verify coverage before scheduling, as out-of-pocket responsibility can range from a copay of $25 to $100 per visit up to the full assessment fee if insurance does not authorize it. Follow-up consultations to discuss results cost approximately $200 to $400 per hour. Starr does not bill self-pay patients the same rate as insured patients; uninsured or out-of-network patients should expect to pay the full quoted fee.

How this compares to other Baltimore neuropsychology options

Baltimore has several board-certified neuropsychologists in private practice and affiliated with larger medical centers. Many neuropsychologists in the Johns Hopkins Health System and University of Maryland Medical Center conduct assessments but often have longer wait times (4 to 8 weeks) because of institutional scheduling and referral requirements. Independent practitioners like Starr typically schedule evaluations within 2 to 4 weeks, making them a stronger choice for patients who need results sooner or who have a physician referral but no specific hospital affiliation. Group practices such as Baltimore Neuropsychology Associates offer multiple providers, which can reduce wait times further but may result in seeing a different clinician for follow-up. Starr's solo practice means continuity with the same provider throughout assessment and interpretation, which many patients and referring physicians value for consistency in clinical reasoning.

Who this suits and who it does not

Starr's practice is best for patients with a specific cognitive concern—such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or trouble learning new information—and a physician referral or insurance order. It is ideal for older adults being screened for dementia or mild cognitive impairment, adults with suspected ADHD seeking formal diagnosis, and younger patients with possible learning disabilities. Patients without a physician referral can still self-refer, but insurance coverage is less likely and out-of-pocket cost becomes the primary consideration. This practice is not appropriate for patients needing ongoing mental-health treatment, medication management, or crisis intervention; those needs require a psychiatrist or clinical therapist, not a neuropsychologist. Similarly, patients in acute psychiatric distress should seek services through an urgent-care center or emergency department, not a private psychology office.

What the first visit involves

A new patient typically completes a detailed questionnaire covering medical history, medications, psychiatric history, family history of cognitive or neurological disease, educational background, and current symptoms. The initial session is a clinical interview where Starr reviews this history, clarifies the reason for referral, and explains what neuropsychological testing measures. Testing itself usually begins during the first visit or is scheduled for a second appointment. Patients should plan to spend 2 to 4 hours during initial testing, arrive rested, and bring any prior brain imaging results or medical records that may inform interpretation. Results and a detailed written report are typically available 7 to 14 days after testing concludes.

Hours, location, and logistics

Starr's practice operates Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited evening hours by arrangement. Her office is located in the Canton neighborhood near Broadway and Boston Street; street parking is available, though limited during peak hours; a paid lot is within one block. Patients without personal transportation can access the office via MTA bus routes 3, 10, and 27. Verification of current hours and exact address is recommended via phone or her practice website before scheduling.

Neuropsychological assessment fills a specific gap in Baltimore's diagnostic pipeline: it answers the question of what cognitive change has occurred and guides next steps in treatment or monitoring. Starr's independent practice and efficient scheduling make her a practical choice for patients and physicians seeking rapid, clear answers.