Nancy S. Templeton, PhD in Baltimore: Research-Based Clinical Neuropsychology

Nancy S. Templeton, PhD is a clinical neuropsychologist based in Baltimore who specializes in cognitive and behavioral assessment, memory disorders, and neurological conditions affecting brain function. She operates a solo practice focused on diagnostic testing and consultation rather than ongoing psychotherapy, making her distinct from general mental health providers in a city where referral-based psychiatric specialists often work within larger health systems.

What neuropsychology testing actually is

Neuropsychology bridges neurology and psychology through standardized cognitive testing. Templeton's practice assesses memory loss, attention problems, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury outcomes, and suspected dementia to produce diagnostic clarity and practical recommendations. The process differs fundamentally from a psychiatric evaluation: where a psychiatrist diagnoses mood or behavioral disorders and prescribes medication, a neuropsychologist administers multi-hour batteries of computerized and paper tests to measure processing speed, language, executive function, and memory. Results guide whether a patient needs neurology follow-up, rehabilitation, educational accommodations, or medication adjustment based on objective data rather than clinical impression alone.

Assessment scope and typical cost range

Templeton conducts comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations, typically spanning 6 to 8 hours across multiple sessions. A full battery addressing memory, cognition, and functional capacity costs between $2,500 and $4,500, depending on referral source and whether additional specialized testing (e.g., emotional/personality assessment) is included. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover neuropsychological evaluation when referred by a physician, though coverage varies by plan and deductible status. Independent assessment without insurance coverage costs more and should be confirmed directly. The testing process is thorough but not rapid; expect 2 to 3 weeks between initial appointment and written report.

How Templeton compares to Baltimore's neuropsychology landscape

Baltimore has limited solo-practice neuropsychologists relative to its population. University of Maryland Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Sinai Hospital all employ neuropsychologists and run more comprehensive cognitive clinics, but wait times exceed 4 to 6 weeks and testing is embedded in larger health system workflows. Templeton's independent practice typically offers faster scheduling for established referral sources and allows closer coordination with primary care physicians who may not be hospital-affiliated. However, hospital-based clinics maintain specialists in pediatric neuropsychology and geriatric cognitive disorders, while Templeton's practice focuses primarily on adult assessment. A patient with complex neurological comorbidities (e.g., Parkinson's disease requiring concurrent movement disorder evaluation) might benefit from hospital integration; someone seeking focused memory testing without extensive inpatient infrastructure usually schedules more quickly through private practice.

Who should pursue evaluation here and who should look elsewhere

Templeton's practice suits adults with suspected cognitive decline, memory complaints, concussion or post-traumatic brain injury concerns, or unclear diagnosis when imaging and basic clinical tests are inconclusive. Referrals from primary care physicians, neurologists, and sometimes attorneys (in personal injury cases) are typical entry points. Families concerned about early-stage dementia find her detailed memory subtest results useful for baseline documentation and future comparison. The practice is not equipped for pediatric assessment, acute psychiatric crisis, or patients requiring ongoing weekly therapy; children need pediatric neuropsychologists, and anyone in acute distress should contact a crisis line or emergency department. Similarly, patients seeking medication management or talk therapy will be referred elsewhere after testing concludes.

What the first appointment involves

An initial consultation by phone confirms insurance coverage, discusses presenting symptoms, and establishes referral documentation from the patient's physician. On the first in-person appointment, Templeton reviews medical history, medication list, educational background, and work history. Testing begins that session or the next, depending on schedule. Patients should plan full mornings or afternoons; fatigue affects test validity, so sessions rarely exceed 3 to 4 hours in one day. Bring current glasses or hearing aids if used, and notify Templeton of any recent medication changes. The report, mailed 2 to 3 weeks later, includes raw scores, percentile ranks, diagnostic impressions, and recommendations for follow-up (e.g., specific brain imaging, neurology specialist, cognitive rehabilitation).

Hours, location, and logistics

Templeton operates by appointment only; walk-in testing is not possible given the intensive nature of assessment. Office hours and parking details should be confirmed directly with her office, as independent practices change locations and scheduling more frequently than hospital systems. Insurance questions are best addressed before the first visit to avoid surprise costs. Verification: contact her office for current parking and exact hours, as solo practices often adjust availability seasonally.

Templeton's independent neuropsychology practice fills a gap for Baltimore patients whose primary care doctors recognize cognitive concerns but lack rapid specialist access through large health systems. Her diagnostic precision and direct communication with referring physicians make her a clear choice for baseline memory assessment and diagnostic clarity when other testing has been inconclusive.