FAQ

Why the grapefruit?

I use a grapefruit as an analogy for the brain to help explain various regions or processes. Put simply: the peel represents the thick cortex, the pith the white matter tracks (transmits information quickly), and segments the distinct, yet interconnected areas of our brains.

Psychotherapy & Cognitive Rehabilitation

What is the difference between psychotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation?

Psychotherapy is individual, talk therapy. Cognitive Rehabilitation is designed to improve thinking - memory, attention, organization, problem-solving, etc. Think of it like physical therpay, but for your brain.

How much do sessions cost?

My rate for a 50-minute session is $350. Although I do not accept insurance, I will provide you with a superbill each month that can be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement. Check in with your insurance company before beginning therapy to inquire about out-of-network coverage. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate (see below). A few reduced fee spots are available for active duty military personnel and Veterans.

Do you meet in-person or virtually?

My psychotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation practice is fully virtual, and I meet with clients via a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. Although different than what most of us think of when we think of therapy, research shows that telehealth therapy is as effective as in-person therapy.

No Surprises Act and Good Faith Estimates

In 2022, the federal No Surprises Act (H.R. 3630) went into effect. While the majority of this bill is aimed at educating consumers about their financial rights when seeking health care services at hospitals or facilities that may include out of network providers, all health care providers (including private practice mental health care professionals) are now required to notify clients of their out of network rights. This includes providing a notice on our websites, as well as providing clients paying for services out of pocket a Good Faith Estimate of costs detailing hourly rates for services. If you are a current client paying out of pocket, you will be provided a Good Faith Estimate annually.

Neuropsychological & Psychodiagnostic Evaluations

What is a neuropsychological evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation - sometimes called Neurocognitive, Neuropsychiatric, or Cognitive testing is an objective examination of cognitive processes, or, someone’s ability to think (remember, pay attention, etc.). This evaluation can be used to diagnose, measure changes in thinking, and provide treatment recommendations. For more information on neuropsychology, click here.

What do we do during a neuropsychological evaluation?

An evaluation consists of a clinical interview, medical record review, collateral information, and administration of standardized neuropsychological assessments and psychodiagnostic measures. Testing may feel similar to puzzles or schoolwork. All together, the appointment is typically four to six hours. I analyze test results and integrate client history, medical records, and collateral input to formulate impressions. We review results, what they mean, and what I recommend for next steps. At the end of the feedback session, you leave with a report of the findings and a better understanding of yourself.

The types of neuropsychological evaluations I provide include clinical neuropsychological evaluations, Independent Medical Examinations (IME), and Workers’ Compensation Evaluations. For legal and worker’s compensation fees, please see professional services.

Who needs a neuropsychological evaluation?

Typically, neuropsychological evaluations are suggested by other doctors (psychiatrists, neurologists, primary care physicians, etc.) when the provider or the client is worried about their thinking (memory, attention, speed of processing, etc.) or when they have an injury or disease. Individuals can self-refer for evaluation as well if they are worried about their thinking or curious about their cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

How much is an evaluation?

A clinical neuropsychological evaluation is $6500 and psychodiagnostic evaluation is $5000. For legal and worker’s compensation fees, please see professional services and inquire via contact form.

Do you meet in-person or virtually for an assessment?

Both are possible. Please discuss in a free consultation.

Who can do these evaluations?

Neuropsychological examinations should only be performed by specially trained professionals, as it requires years of extra education and training to perform neuropsychological examinations accurately and safely.

The surest sign of competence in neuropsychology is certification by the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) sanctioned by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). This is the board that sanctions all of the primary board certifications in the field of professional psychology. The ABCN Board is a non-profit board set up in order to ensure neurocognitive competence. It includes a rigorous evaluation process requiring documentation of appropriate education and training at the pre and post doctoral levels, a comprehensive written examination, work sample submission, and finally, by an oral examination which is held twice yearly at the Rush Presbyterian Medical Center in Chicago or Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. As of 2020 there are approximately 120 ABCN Board Certified neuropsychologists in California and just over 1400 in the United States.

Dr. Shean is in the final phase of this process, and set to complete her oral examination in March, 2025.