Cognitive Screening Assessment

If you’ve noticed changes in memory, attention, word-finding, or mental speed, a cognitive screening evaluation can help clarify whether your concerns are within expected limits or whether additional evaluation may be recommended.

At Sugar Land Psychological Associates, we offer brief, evidence-based cognitive screening for adults in the Houston area. This service is designed to provide a clear, clinically grounded snapshot of cognitive functioning and practical next steps.

What is a Cognitive Screening Evaluation?

A cognitive screening evaluation is a brief assessment designed to examine key areas of thinking and memory, such as:

Immediate and delayed memory
Attention and concentration
Processing speed
Language (including word retrieval)
Visuospatial abilities

We primarily use the RBANS (Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status)—a widely used, research-supported screening test.

This service is ideal when someone wants a starting point to understand cognitive concerns without committing to a full neuropsychological evaluation.

Who is This Assessment For?

Cognitive screening may be a good fit if you are experiencing:

Forgetting recent conversations or events
Difficulty concentrating or staying focused
Feeling mentally “slower” than usual
Increased word-finding problems
Concern about cognitive change following illness, stress, medication changes, or aging
A recommendation from a physician to “check cognition” or establish a baseline

This service is often used for triage—to help determine whether comprehensive neuropsychological testing is warranted.

What This Screening Can (and Cannot) Answer

What it can help with

A cognitive screening evaluation can help:

Identify whether performance suggests possible cognitive concern
Clarify if results look more consistent with normal variability vs. clinically significant impairment
Provide practical recommendations (sleep, stress management, medical follow-up, further testing)
Help determine whether a full neuropsychological evaluation may be needed

What it is not designed to do

This screening is not a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation and is generally not intended to definitively diagnose:

ADHD
Learning disorders
Autism spectrum disorder
Specific traumatic brain injury severity questions
Detailed occupational/academic accommodation determinations
High-stakes legal determinations

Is this Covered by Insurance Companies?

Yes. We accept many—but not all—insurance plans for this assessment. Our office will contact your insurance provider to determine whether the evaluation is covered and, if so, the extent of your benefits. We will notify you in advance so you can decide whether you would like to proceed with the appointment. If your insurance does not cover this assessment, or if we do not accept your plan, the private-pay rate is $800.

How the Process Works:

Pre-Appointment Questionnaire

You’ll complete an intake questionnaire focused on cognitive symptoms, functioning, medical history, mood/sleep, and relevant medications. You'll also complete some other new-patient paperwork.

Clinical Interview Session

During the first in-person appointment at our office, we will complete a focused clinical interview. This interview is used to clarify your concerns and clinical context, including the onset and course of symptoms, their impact on daily functioning, and relevant factors that can influence cognition such as sleep, stress, mood, medical conditions, and medications. This should last approximately 60 minutes.

Testing Session

During a separate in-office appointment, brief, structured cognitive testing will be administered. Testing is time-limited and includes the RBANS along with other select screening measures to efficiently assess major cognitive domains. This should last approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

Feedback Session

You’ll participate in a 50 to 60-minute feedback session by video with your provider. During this session, your results, overall impressions, and a clear plan for next steps and recommendations will be discussed. You’ll also receive a brief written report summarizing our findings, overall impressions, and recommendations, which can be sent directly to you and to any other healthcare provider you authorize for release of information.

Get Started

Step 1

Schedule your assessment online or by calling us at 281-402-9227.

Step 2

New patient paperwork will be sent to you in advance to be completed via our secure HIPAA-compliant platform. (Please complete and submit your paperwork no later than 24 hours prior to your appointment).

Step 3

Meet with your psychologist in person, or, over video using our HIPAA-compliant platform - a link will be emailed to you to access your appointment in advance.