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Bipolar Disorder Assessment in San Diego

Comprehensive bipolar disorder evaluations for adults and adolescents in San Diego

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(858) 923-4228
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When Bipolar Disorder Testing May Be Helpful

If your moods feel unpredictable in a way that’s hard to explain or understand, a comprehensive evaluation can help you understand what’s actually happening.

You might be considering a bipolar disorder assessment if:

  • You have periods where you feel unstoppable, need very little sleep, and take on way more than usual—followed by crashes where getting out of bed feels impossible
  • People close to you have noticed dramatic shifts in your energy or behavior, but you’re not always aware of them in the moment
  • You’ve been treated for depression, but the treatment hasn’t worked the way your doctor expected
  • You find yourself making impulsive decisions during high-energy periods that don’t match your usual judgment
  • Your mood seems to change in cycles or patterns that don’t line up with what’s actually happening in your life
  • You’ve received different diagnoses from different providers, and you’re not sure which one fits
  • Someone in your family has bipolar disorder, and you’re noticing similar patterns in yourself

Neuropsych testing, without the fuss.

We are passionate about making comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation simple and accessible for everyone.
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Client Testimonials & Success Stories

I completed a neuropsychological assessment at KMN Psych and I’m so glad I finally did. The team makes sure you are comfortable and well taken care of, and the assessment is very thorough. I was easily able to spend 4-5 hours here in a quiet, peaceful environment that was not intimidating at all. I was worried that I was heavily masking whatever I was going through but they caught every little detail. This was a worthy investment of time and money that gave me the clarity I needed, and I highly recommend this place to anyone wishing to undergo assessment. Thank you Dr. Doshay, Dr. Perry, and Tara!

Kajal V.

KMN Psych has been wonderful to work with! They have been very accommodating and attuning to clients’ needs during testing. It has also been a pleasure with coordinating services with them. They are quick to respond and flexible with their schedules. Overall, a great place to check out if you’re needing neuropsych testing done!

Reydel T.

Incredible team here that does the most beautiful work. Their neuropsychological testing is so detailed and really helps provide the full picture. I feel lucky to have found them!

Alexandra Z.

I had a wonderful experience with KMN Psych. From the very first phone call, the staff was welcoming and compassionate, which immediately put me at ease. My neuropsychological testing was thorough, clearly explained, and conducted in a comfortable, professional environment. Dr. Max and his team took the time to really listen to my concerns, answered all my questions, and made sure I understood the process and results. I left feeling validated, understood, and with a clear plan for next steps. I truly appreciate their kindness, professionalism, and dedication to their clients.

Sophia J.

KMN has been nothing but a positive experience every time. From their professionalism to the quality of service they provide on a consistent basis. I highly recommend KMN to all my friends and family!

Simone D.

I have had the pleasure to interact with the team at KMN Psych. They were extremely professional, compassionate, and helpful in supporting me through navigating a challenging time. I felt safe and validated, and I would definitely recommend coming here for testing!

Danielle B.

KMN Psych is an outstanding and reputable neuropsychological testing center, known for its professionalism, thoroughness, and compassionate care. Their team provides comprehensive, evidence-based assessments that are both accurate and easy to understand, ensuring patients and families feel supported through the entire process. The clinicians alongside Dr. Max are highly skilled, detail-oriented, and take the time to explain results clearly, which builds trust and confidence. KMN Psych’s commitment to ethical practice and individualized care truly sets them apart as a trusted leader in the field!

Cory G.

I recently completed neuropsychological testing as an adult female to better understand some ongoing mental health concerns, and I’m so grateful I did. The entire process was very thorough — from the detailed intake session to the actual testing, which covered memory, attention, processing speed, and emotional functioning.

The clinician made me feel heard, respected, and never rushed. The evaluation helped identify ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, and trauma-related patterns, which finally gave me clarity after years of confusion. I also received a comprehensive report with clear recommendations for therapy, medication options, and strategies for daily life.

This experience was truly life-changing and empowering. If you are struggling to find answers about your mental health as an adult, I highly recommend pursuing neuropsychological testing here.

Kacie O.

As a mom, I was initially nervous about my child undergoing neuropsychological testing, but it turned out to be an incredibly positive experience. The evaluation provided a comprehensive understanding of my child’s strengths and areas of need, which has been invaluable for tailoring their educational plan. The insights from Dr. Max and team have not only helped the school create a more effective learning environment but also guided us in seeking the right support and interventions. Overall, the testing has empowered us with the knowledge to better support our child’s development and well-being.

Michelle P.

I’ve had the privilege of working with KMN Psych for several years and they continue to be my top choice for neuropsychological and psychological testing. Their team has been thorough, professional, and compassionate with every client we’ve referred. Their reports are clear, timely, and highly actionable, which makes a tremendous difference in treatment planning.

Carson W.

KMN Psych provides outstanding neuropsychological assessments with a rare combination of professionalism, expertise, and clarity. Their team is thorough, organized, and clearly knows what they’re doing when it comes to complex cognitive and psychological evaluations. They approach interactions with compassion and genuine care. The reports are detailed, easy to understand, and full of useful recommendations. Whether for school, work, or clinical needs, their assessments truly make a difference. Can’t recommend them enough!

Ryan

KMN has been nothing short of exceptional. From the very first interaction, their team has shown unmatched professionalism, kindness, and genuine care for our clients. It is clear the KMN truly values both the clients and the organizations they partner with.working with them has been an absolute pleasure, and we could not ask for a more reliable, caring and professional team. Highly recommended!

Dawn F.

Neuropsychological Testing for All Ages

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Children

Kid-friendly psychological testing for children ages 7+ facing cognitive, learning, or behavioral challenges.

Pediatric Testing
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Teens & Adolescents

Mental health assessment options for teens and adolescents (ages 13-17) seeking clarity around a new or existing diagnosis.

Teen Testing
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Adults

Adult neuropsych testing for individuals ages 18+ who have questions about their mental health.

Adult Testing

What Bipolar Disorder Evaluation Includes

A bipolar disorder assessment at KMN Psych involves several parts that work together to build a complete picture. Here’s what that actually looks like:

1. Clinical Interviews

You'll have in-depth conversations about your mood history—when you first noticed changes, what high and low periods feel like, how long they tend to last, and how they affect your daily life. You'll also talk about family history, past mental health treatment, and what's brought you to testing now.

These aren't interrogations. They're collaborative conversations designed to help the evaluator understand your unique experience.

2. Standardized Psychological Testing

You'll complete evidence-based assessments that measure how you regulate emotions, respond to stress, and process your internal states. Some of these are questionnaires; others involve specific tasks.

These tests provide objective data that goes beyond what can be gathered in conversation alone. They help identify patterns you might not notice yourself.

3. Mood and Behavior Screening

Specialized tools capture how severe symptoms are, how often episodes happen, and how much they interfere with work, relationships, or daily functioning. Some measures specifically look at manic features (elevated mood, reduced sleep, increased energy) and depressive features (low mood, fatigue, loss of interest).

4. Differential Diagnostic Assessment

This is where testing gets especially valuable. Bipolar disorder can look a lot like other conditions—major depression, ADHD, borderline personality disorder, or anxiety disorders. A comprehensive evaluation helps distinguish between them so you're not treating the wrong thing.

The evaluation pulls together information from all these sources to determine whether what you're experiencing is bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, or something else that better explains your symptoms.

What to Expect From Neuropsych Testing at KMN Psych

Here’s how the process actually works, from start to finish:

1. Initial Consultation

The first step is an appointment to gather your medical and clinical history, discuss your symptoms, and understand what concerns brought you to testing. This is a collaborative conversation where you can share what you’ve been experiencing and what you’re hoping to learn from the evaluation.

The testing appointment involves completing a battery of standardized assessments—some paper-and-pencil, some computer-based, and some interactive activities. These cover mood patterns, emotional regulation, cognitive functioning, and behaviors associated with bipolar disorder. The session typically takes 4-6 hours, with breaks throughout.  

After your testing session, the clinical team scores and interprets all results, comparing your responses to normative data. This analysis determines whether your symptoms align with bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, or another condition that better explains what you’ve been experiencing.

You’ll meet with Dr. Doshay to discuss the results and recommendations. This is your chance to ask questions, understand what the findings mean for your life, and talk through next steps. Everything is explained in plain language—no jargon, no surprises.

Approximately two weeks after your feedback session, you’ll receive a detailed 15-20 page report. The report includes diagnostic impressions, an explanation of your specific symptom patterns, treatment recommendations, and documentation you can share with psychiatrists, therapists, or other providers.

The atmosphere is calm and straightforward. You’re not being judged. The evaluator’s job is to understand what you’re experiencing and figure out what’s causing it—not to fit you into a predetermined box. There’s no “right” way to answer questions. Accuracy depends on honesty, so the team works hard to create an environment where you can be honest without worrying about how it sounds.

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Verify Insurance

As part of the screening process, we help clients verify their insurance provider can provide financial assistance. We accept PPO as well as non-insured clients. Let us walk you through the process so you can get tested as soon as possible.
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How Bipolar Disorder Evaluation Results Are Used

Once testing is complete, you’ll have concrete answers and a clear path forward.

The report typically includes:

  • Diagnostic clarity: Whether your symptoms align with bipolar disorder (and which type), or if another condition better explains what’s going on.
  • Explanation of your patterns: What your mood cycles actually look like, what triggers them, and how they’ve been affecting your life.
  • Treatment recommendations: Specific suggestions for medication, therapy approaches, and lifestyle strategies based on your results.
  • Documentation for providers: Information your psychiatrist or therapist can use to guide treatment decisions.
  • Support for accommodations: If needed, documentation that can help you get workplace or academic accommodations during mood episodes.

Accurate diagnosis changes everything. If you’ve been treated for depression but actually have bipolar disorder, antidepressants alone can make things worse. If you’ve been struggling with what you thought was just anxiety, understanding it’s actually related to mood cycling offers a completely different treatment path.

Many people say the most valuable thing they got from testing wasn’t necessarily even the diagnosis—it was finally understanding why they’ve been feeling the way they feel. That clarity alone can be life-changing.

Why Choose KMN Psych for Bipolar Assessment in San Diego

Choosing where to get evaluated matters—especially when you’ve already spent time searching for answers. KMN Psych brings specialized expertise to bipolar disorder assessment, with a focus on diagnostic accuracy, clear communication, and a process designed to reduce confusion rather than add to it.

We specialize in diagnostic clarity.

KMN Psych focuses exclusively on assessment rather than ongoing treatment. That means our expertise is in figuring out what's actually going on—especially when symptoms are confusing or when you've gotten different answers from different providers.

Accurate diagnosis, even when symptoms overlap.

Bipolar disorder can look like ADHD. It can look like borderline personality disorder. It can look like treatment-resistant depression. Our evaluators have extensive experience distinguishing between these conditions, which matters when you need an accurate answer, not just a guess.

Answers when you need them.

The time between testing and getting results is kept as short as possible. We know that waiting for answers when you're already struggling makes everything harder.

Reports you can actually understand.

Reports are written in language you can actually understand. Recommendations are specific and actionable. During the feedback session, everything gets explained in plain terms—no jargon, no talking over your head.

Neuropsych testing, without the fuss.

This isn't just a tagline—it's how we operate. No unnecessary complexity, no intimidating clinical atmosphere, no making you feel like you're being studied instead of helped.

Is Neuropsych Testing Right for You?

Comprehensive neuropsychological testing makes sense when:

  • You’ve tried treatment that hasn’t worked, and you’re not sure why
  • Different doctors have given you different diagnoses
  • You need documentation for medication decisions, workplace accommodations, or disability applications
  • Your symptoms don’t fit neatly into one category
  • You want a thorough evaluation, not just a quick screening

​​It might not be necessary if:

  • You’ve already been diagnosed with confidence, and treatment is working
  • You’re looking for ongoing therapy rather than diagnostic clarity
  • A brief screening would answer your questions

Not sure which category you’re in?

The initial phone consultation helps clarify whether comprehensive testing is the right fit for your situation. You’re not locked into anything from one phone call—it’s just a conversation about what would actually help.

Call: 858-923-4228
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Common Needs for an Bipolar Disorder Assessment

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Dual Diagnosis

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Treatment Planning

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Medication Management

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Differential Diagnosis

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Neuropsychological Testing & Diagnosis Center

At KMN Psych, we aim to simplify the psychological testing process and minimize the turnaround time so you or your loved one can immediately get insights to many of the questions that have gone unanswered. Mental health testing is the first step in proper treatment planning, improved quality of life, happiness, and overall well-being.

Regardless of the specific need for testing—whether someone is seeking a diagnosis, proper medication, or academic accommodations—we’re ready to provide comprehensive, immediate, and accurate testing and diagnostic services with with a clinical team that has extensive expertise in conducting and analyzing test results. We’re passionate about getting our clients the help they need.

Neuropsych testing is key to better understanding why you or your loved one may be having difficulties at work, in social settings, relationships, or simply feeling challenged by daily activities. Testing at KMN can open new doors to a better daily life.

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LGBTQ+ Affirming Neuropsych Assessments

At KMN Psych, we recognize that identity and lived experience shape how symptoms present and how people experience mental health challenges. We provide affirming evaluations for LGBTQ+ individuals and people from diverse backgrounds, interpreting results through a lens that considers minority stress, discrimination, and resilience factors—not just test scores. Everyone deserves assessment that sees the whole person.

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more information about KMN Psych, verify your insurance coverage, or schedule an appointment for you or your loved one, complete the form below, and we will get back to you in 24 hours. We respect your privacy and hold all information discussed in strict confidence.

Or call us: (858) 923-4228

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FAQs

How do I get evaluated for bipolar?

The first step is reaching out to schedule an initial consultation. At KMN Psych, you'll start by calling to discuss what you've been experiencing and set up your first appointment. The initial consultation involves a detailed conversation about your symptoms, medical history, and what you hope to learn from the testing. From there, you'll schedule your testing appointment—a 4-6 hour session where you complete standardized assessments designed to clarify whether what you're experiencing is bipolar disorder. After the clinical team analyzes everything, you'll return for a feedback session with Dr. Doshay to review the results. About two weeks after that, you'll receive a comprehensive written report with all the findings and recommendations.

Where do I get checked for bipolar disorder?

You have a few options. Psychologists who specialize in assessment can provide comprehensive neuropsychological testing—this is what KMN Psych does in San Diego. Psychiatrists can also diagnose bipolar disorder, usually during medication management appointments, though they typically don't conduct the same level of detailed testing. Your primary care doctor might do an initial screening with some questions or a brief questionnaire, but they'll usually refer you to a specialist for a formal diagnosis. If you're looking for a thorough evaluation—especially if your symptoms are confusing or you've gotten different answers from different providers—comprehensive psychological testing offers the most complete picture.

What kind of doctor is best for bipolar disorder?

Start with an accurate diagnosis. At KMN Psych, we provide comprehensive neuropsychological testing that determines whether your symptoms align with bipolar disorder or another condition—so you know exactly what you're treating from the beginning. Once you have clear diagnostic results, you can share them with a psychiatrist for medication management. Mood stabilizers and other medications are often essential for managing bipolar disorder, and your testing results give your psychiatrist the information they need to prescribe appropriately. Many people also work with a therapist for ongoing support between mood episodes. The key is getting the diagnosis right first—then building your treatment team from there.

What is the first red flag of bipolar disorder?

For many people, the first sign is noticing that mood changes don't match what's actually happening in their life. You might have periods where you feel incredibly energized, need very little sleep, take on way more than usual, and feel like you can accomplish anything—followed by crashes where getting out of bed feels impossible. Sometimes the red flag isn't one specific thing, but recognizing a pattern: realizing your mood shifts in cycles that don't seem connected to stress or life circumstances. Dramatic changes in how much sleep you need, impulsive decisions during high-energy periods, or people close to you noticing shifts you didn't fully recognize can all be early signs. Often, the pattern only becomes clear when you look back over months or years, rather than in the moment.

What happens during a bipolar disorder evaluation?

At KMN Psych, the evaluation happens in three main appointments. First is the initial consultation—a detailed conversation about your mood history, what high and low periods feel like, family background, and current symptoms. Next is the testing appointment, which takes 4-6 hours. You'll complete a battery of assessments—some paper-and-pencil, some computer-based, some interactive—that measure mood patterns, emotional regulation, and cognitive functioning. Some tests specifically look at manic and depressive features to help distinguish bipolar disorder from other conditions. After that, the clinical team scores everything and analyzes the results. Then you come back for a feedback session with Dr. Doshay, where results are explained and you talk through what to do next. About two weeks later, you receive a comprehensive 15-20 page report with all the findings and treatment recommendations.