Neuropsychological testing

Cognitive Assessment London

Private cognitive assessment in London for memory, attention, executive function, processing speed, and diagnostic clarification. Specialist neuropsychological testing using recognised measures such as WAIS-IV and WMS-IV.

DM
Dr Martina Paglia

Clinically reviewed by

Dr Martina Paglia

Founder & CEO of Mind a Porter

HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist

Special interests include anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, burnout, workplace stress, relationship difficulties and high-performance mental wellbeing.

Last reviewed: 13 August 2026

All health information on Mind a Porter is clinically reviewed by our clinical lead. These resources are educational and do not replace professional advice.

Clinical Overview

Clinical overview: cognitive assessment

Cognitive assessment is used when the referral question is broader than one diagnosis. It measures memory, attention, learning, language, processing speed, and executive function to understand the overall cognitive profile and to identify whether the pattern points toward ADHD, learning difficulty, mood-related cognitive inefficiency, neurological change, or another explanation.

Prevalence

Cognitive difficulties are common across ADHD, burnout, brain injury, mood disorders, neurodevelopmental differences, and early neurological conditions.

Gold-standard tool

Recognised tools may include WAIS-IV, WMS-IV, and focused tests of memory, attention, language, and executive function depending on the referral question.

Typical timeline

Often 1 or 2 testing sessions plus a feedback appointment, with a written report typically provided within 1 to 2 weeks.

About cognitive assessment

What is a private cognitive assessment?

A private cognitive assessment, sometimes called neuropsychological testing, is a structured evaluation of how your brain is functioning across different domains. Rather than focusing on one symptom alone, it measures patterns across memory, concentration, learning, processing speed, problem-solving, and executive skills so that the overall profile becomes clearer.

This kind of assessment is especially valuable when the question is complex. Someone may be wondering whether their difficulties reflect ADHD, burnout, anxiety, long Covid, brain injury, a learning difference, or early neurological change. Formal testing helps move the conversation from guesswork toward evidence-based interpretation.

A strong cognitive assessment in London should explain results in practical language rather than burying you in scores. The real value lies in understanding what the pattern means, what it rules in or out, and what kind of treatment, support, or onward referral makes most sense next.

Signs and indicators

Common reasons people seek cognitive assessment

People often seek cognitive testing when the difficulties feel broader, more confusing, or more functionally impairing than one simple explanation can capture.

Memory concerns

You are forgetting conversations, appointments, names, or steps in a way that feels noticeably different from your usual baseline.

Reduced concentration

Sustaining focus, holding information in mind, or switching between tasks feels harder than it used to or harder than expected.

Executive-function strain

Planning, problem-solving, organisation, sequencing, or mental flexibility have become recurring pressure points.

Slowed thinking

You can do the task eventually, but processing information or responding quickly feels significantly slower than before.

Post-illness or post-injury change

The referral question may be about changes after concussion, medical illness, burnout, or another health event.

Diagnostic uncertainty

Different clinicians or services have offered different possibilities and you need a more objective profile.

Work or academic impact

Cognitive demands at work, university, or in everyday life have become difficult to meet consistently.

Need for a baseline

Assessment can establish a reference point to compare against later if monitoring over time is important.

Assessment process

What happens in a cognitive assessment?

The process is tailored to the referral question, but it usually combines interview, formal testing, interpretation, and practical feedback.

01

Referral formulation

The clinician clarifies the exact question being asked, such as memory concerns, attention problems, or broader diagnostic uncertainty.

02

Clinical background review

Health history, mental health, medications, sleep, education, occupation, and any major change points are reviewed.

03

Targeted test battery

Formal measures are selected to assess the domains most relevant to the referral, rather than using one generic set for everyone.

04

Pattern analysis

Results are interpreted as a profile across strengths and weaknesses rather than as isolated scores in a vacuum.

05

Differential diagnosis

The clinician considers whether the pattern fits ADHD, mood-related cognitive inefficiency, neurological change, learning difficulty, or another explanation.

06

Feedback and report

You receive a written report and clear explanation of what the findings mean in practical, diagnostic, and treatment terms.

Why people get assessed

What a private cognitive assessment can help with

Cognitive testing is often most useful when you need a wider lens rather than a narrow symptom label.

Diagnostic clarification

Understand whether the pattern fits ADHD, stress, neurological change, learning difference, or another profile.

Treatment planning

Use the results to guide therapy, psychiatry, rehabilitation, medical referral, or practical support planning.

Workplace or academic documentation

A detailed report can support conversations about adjustments, pacing, and cognitive load.

Baseline monitoring

Establish a structured snapshot of cognitive functioning that can be revisited later if symptoms change.

Often a good fit

Who cognitive assessment is especially useful for

Assessment is most useful when the question is broad, complex, or functionally important.

Adults with unclear cognitive symptoms

Helpful when memory, concentration, or mental efficiency problems do not fit neatly into one explanation.

People with overlapping possibilities

Useful when ADHD, burnout, anxiety, neurological factors, or learning difference may all be relevant.

Clients needing a detailed report

A strong fit when the outcome may inform work adjustments, education planning, rehab, or onward referral.

People seeking a baseline

Valuable when tracking change over time matters clinically or personally.

May not be the first step

When another assessment may answer the question more directly

Sometimes the referral question is narrower and another specialist assessment is the more efficient first route.

Specific ADHD diagnosis question

If the main question is whether you meet criteria for adult ADHD, a dedicated ADHD assessment is usually the more direct first step.

ADHD Assessment

Specific autism diagnosis question

If the concern is primarily about autistic traits, social communication, and developmental pattern, autism assessment is more appropriate.

Autism Assessment

Specific literacy difficulty

If the referral question is mainly about reading, spelling, or written processing, a dyslexia assessment may provide a clearer answer.

Dyslexia Assessment

Severe mood crisis or exhaustion

If depression, insomnia, or acute stress are currently dominating, stabilisation may need to come before formal testing for valid results.

Depression CounsellingPsychiatry

When to seek help

When is it time to consider an assessment for cognitive?

You might be wondering whether a formal assessment is the right step right now. These are some of the signs that a specialist evaluation could provide clarity and direction.

  • Difficulties with cognitive have been present for months or years and are not explained by stress alone
  • Work, study, relationships or daily routines are being affected in ways that feel hard to manage
  • You have tried general therapy or self-help but feel you need a clearer clinical picture
  • You need formal documentation for workplace adjustments, exam arrangements, or treatment planning
  • You want to understand whether your experiences fit a recognised pattern or something else
Evidence and standards

How cognitive assessment is grounded clinically

High-quality neuropsychological assessment uses recognised measures with normative data and interprets them against the whole clinical picture. It is most powerful when it answers a real referral question clearly and translates findings into practical recommendations instead of score-heavy ambiguity.

Fees & booking

Transparent pricing for cognitive assessment london

50-minute sessions, online or in person across London
Fees set by each therapist and shown before you book
Private insurance accepted by many clinicians

Clients never pay more with us than going direct, and our therapists offer their best rates.

Clinicians relevant to cognitive and neuropsychological assessment

£1 Discovery Call
Param Singh Sahni
Easy Booking
Man Sudbury HillOnline via Google Meet

Mr Param Singh SahniPsychotherapist

MSc · PGDip · BA10+ years of experience

I am a UKCP-registered and BACP-accredited psychotherapist with over a decade of clinical experience, offering a warm, collaborative space for adults seeking meaningful change. My practice is informed by an MSc and a breadth of specialist training, allowing me to support clients through a diverse range of challenges including anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, addiction, and complex trauma. As a British Punjabi Sikh therapist, I bring a unique depth to my work, carefully considering the intersections of culture, race, faith, and identity. My expertise spans individual and online therapy, where I integrate modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Somatic Therapy to meet your specific needs. Whether we are navigating life transitions, relationship dynamics, or professional burnout, my aim is to facilitate genuine understanding. I am committed to providing an inclusive, non-judgemental environment where you can explore your personal history and current experiences to foster lasting emotional growth and wellbeing.

EnglishHindiPunjabi+1
From £120 /session
£1 Discovery Call
Hasina Sarwari
Easy Booking
Woman London BridgeOnline via Google Meet

Dr Hasina SarwariClinical Psychologist

DClinPsy · EMDR · EFT · BSc17+ years of experience

I am a HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist with seventeen years of experience supporting teenagers, adults, seniors, and couples across London and beyond. My practice is built upon a foundation of extensive clinical training, including a DClinPsy, and a diverse range of evidence-based modalities. I have cultivated a broad breadth of expertise, assisting clients with challenges ranging from anxiety, burnout, and PTSD to chronic pain, body image concerns, and complex life transitions. By integrating specialist approaches such as EMDR, EFT, IFS, and somatic therapy alongside traditional frameworks like CBT, ACT, and DBT, I provide a sophisticated, bespoke therapeutic experience. Whether working with individuals, couples, or adolescents, my focus remains on fostering deep, enduring change. I offer a professional, empathetic space where we can navigate your specific circumstances with clinical rigour and human understanding, helping you move towards a more grounded and authentic way of living.

English
From £200 /session
£1 Discovery Call
Hei Chang
ManOnline via Zoom

Dr Hei ChangClinical Psychologist

PsyD · MSc · BSc · CPsychol · AFBPsS11+ years of experience

I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with the HCPC and a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society. With over 11 years of experience in clinical practice, I offer a comprehensive range of psychological support, including individual therapy, couples counselling, and specialised assessments for ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. Having lived in the UK for over a decade after relocating from Hong Kong, I bring a culturally informed perspective to my work, supporting children, teenagers, and adults across diverse backgrounds. My clinical expertise spans a breadth of challenges, from managing workplace stress, burnout, and anxiety disorders to navigating complex relationship dynamics and life transitions. I work extensively with clients addressing OCD, trauma, and self-esteem, providing a secure, professional environment for exploration and growth. Whether through in-person sessions or online therapy, I am dedicated to providing nuanced, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs and goals.

EnglishCantonese
From £160 /session
£1 Discovery Call
Georgios Bligouras
Easy Booking
Man BrixtonOnline via Google Meet

Ms Georgios BligourasPsychotherapist

BSc · MSc · MA5+ years of experience

I am a BACP-registered psychotherapist with a BSc, MSc, and MA, offering individual and group therapy to adults and older adults (65+) in English and Greek, in Brixton. With five years of clinical experience, my practice is grounded in Person-Centred and Experiential Psychotherapy, drawing on Gestalt Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Therapy. I work with a range of difficulties including depression, burnout, grief and loss, relationship issues, abandonment, low self-esteem, loneliness, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and gaslighting recovery. I also have a particular interest in supporting clients navigating life transitions and those living with personality disorders. Alongside individual work, I offer men's therapy and group therapy, recognising that meaningful change can emerge through authentic relational experience. My aim is to provide a warm, collaborative space where clients can explore challenges, deepen self-understanding, and move towards lasting change.

EnglishGreek
From £90 /session
Mariana Bodiu
WomanAccepts InsuranceOnline via Google Meet

Ms Mariana BodiuClinical Psychologist

BSc · MSc12+ years of experience

I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 12 years of experience dedicated to aiding individuals, couples, families, and adolescents through life's complexities. Holding both a BSc and MSc in Clinical Psychology, I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). My expertise spans various therapeutic modalities including individual and family therapy, as well as psychodynamic and trauma-informed approaches. I have worked extensively in diverse clinical settings, assisting clients with a range of issues such as anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties, and personal growth. I take particular interest in supporting high-functioning professionals on their journey towards meaningful emotional transformation and self-discovery.

EnglishRussian
From £280 /session
£1 Discovery Call
Daniela Maroni
Established Clinician
Easy Booking
WomanAccepts InsuranceOnline via Google Meet

Dr Daniela MaroniClinical Psychologist

B.Psych (Hons) · Psy.D24+ years of experience

I am a private Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and a fully accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). My training began in Italy, where I completed a five-year degree in Clinical and Community Psychology, followed by professional qualification in 2002. I later continued my clinical training in the UK, including at the Tavistock and Portman Clinic, NHS services, and forensic settings. I have completed specialist training in CBT, Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT-A), EMDR (Levels 1–3), Expert Witness Assessment (Cardiff University/Bond Solon), and psychosexual assessment. Over the past 18 years, I have worked across NHS, private practice, legal, and insurance settings. My clinical experience includes mood disorders, PTSD, relationship difficulties, parenting support, and neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, and ADD in both children and adults. I also provide parenting support in neurodevelopment, including initial screening, parent guidance consultations, and support in understanding and navigating appropriate diagnostic pathways for children presenting with possible ADHD or ASD traits. I also have experience in domestic violence services, family court work, and supervision of CBT practitioners and psychologists within the CYP-IAPT framework.

ItalianEnglish
From £160 /session

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Frequently asked questions about Cognitive Assessment London

What does a private cognitive assessment involve?

A private cognitive assessment usually includes a clinical interview, targeted neuropsychological testing, interpretation of patterns across multiple domains, and a written report. The exact tests depend on the referral question rather than being identical for everyone.

What kinds of difficulties can cognitive assessment look at?

It can assess memory, attention, executive function, processing speed, language, reasoning, learning, and other aspects of cognitive functioning. It is often used when the question is broader than one diagnosis alone.

How long does a cognitive assessment take?

Many private cognitive assessments take place across one or two testing sessions, depending on the complexity of the referral and the size of the test battery. A feedback session and written report usually follow once scoring and interpretation are complete.

Can cognitive testing distinguish ADHD from anxiety or burnout?

It can help, but only when interpreted alongside the clinical history. Testing can show where the profile is strong or weak, while the interview explains whether that pattern fits ADHD, stress, mood, neurological change, or another explanation.

Will I receive a written cognitive assessment report?

Yes, a proper private assessment should provide a written report that explains the findings, the interpretation, and recommendations in practical terms. That report is often one of the most useful parts of the process.

Do cognitive problems always mean something neurological is wrong?

No. Cognitive inefficiency can arise from many causes including sleep disruption, anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, ADHD, pain, medication effects, and neurological illness. Assessment helps clarify which explanations fit best.

Can I use a cognitive assessment for work or university support?

Often yes, especially when the report clearly explains the functional impact and recommendations. Whether it will be accepted for a particular purpose depends on the organisation's own requirements.

Is cognitive assessment only for older adults?

No. Adults of many ages seek cognitive testing for very different reasons, from diagnostic uncertainty and study difficulties to post-illness change, high-pressure work problems, or the need for a baseline.

Clinically reviewed guidance Evidence-led private assessment Online and in-person options

This page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about cognitive assessment london, please speak with a qualified therapist or your GP. In a crisis, call 999 or Samaritans on 116 123.

Book a cognitive assessment that clarifies the wider picture

If memory, attention, or mental efficiency concerns feel broader than one simple explanation, a structured cognitive assessment can help you understand the pattern more clearly.

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