Testing and diagnosis
Dyslexia Testing in Los Angeles
Where LA families can get a child tested for dyslexia and other learning disabilities, from Beverly Hills to Thousand Oaks, and how to get your school district to test for free.
Dyslexia testing in Los Angeles happens two ways. A private psychologist, educational psychologist or neuropsychologist gives a psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluation: hours of reading, spelling, language and thinking tests, then a report on whether a learning disability explains the struggle and what will help. Published prices we found run about $2,400 to $6,000, and some practices don’t bill insurance. Or you ask your public school district, in writing, to assess your child for free. In California, dyslexia counts as a specific learning disability.
On this page
15 places for dyslexia testing in Los Angeles
Private practices whose own sites say they test children for dyslexia and other learning disabilities, grouped by area: Beverly Hills and the Westside, the South Bay, the Valley, Thousand Oaks, Glendale and Pasadena. Each entry says which kind of evaluation it gives.
PBA Psychology
Beverly Hills and downtown LA · 9350 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 212, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Good for Beverly Hills or downtown LA appointments
PBA Psychology tests children, teens and adults for dyslexia, usually as part of a full psychoeducational assessment. Testing covers phonological awareness, decoding and reading fluency, spelling and writing, working memory, processing speed and executive functioning, and the results come with recommendations for school accommodations such as an IEP or 504 plan. It has a second office downtown, at 714 W. Olympic Blvd.
- Children, teens and adults
- Part of a psychoeducational assessment
- Offices in Beverly Hills and downtown LA
- IEP and 504 recommendations
pbapsychology.com (opens their site)310-271-2275On Summerground
Leah Ellenberg, PhD, and Associates
9401 Wilshire Blvd, #730, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Good for A full neuropsychological evaluation
A clinical neuropsychology practice that evaluates children, teens and adults for learning disorders such as dyslexia, attention problems, autism, and the effects of medical conditions like seizures or head injuries on thinking and learning. Dr. Ellenberg is board certified in clinical neuropsychology, with a subspecialty certification in pediatric neuropsychology, and is a clinical professor at UCLA’s medical school. She has done independent evaluations at school districts’ request.
- Neuropsychological evaluations
- Board-certified neuropsychologist (ABPP-CN)
- Children, teens and adults
- Has evaluated for school districts
leahellenberg.com (opens their site)310-273-2701On Summerground
BrainWorkup Neuropsychology
Marina del Rey
Good for Questions about dyslexia and ADHD together
A neuropsychology practice based in Marina del Rey and led by Dr. Joey Trampush, a USC Keck School of Medicine faculty member. Its learning disability testing looks for dyslexia, dyscalculia and processing disorders and ends with recommendations for IEP and 504 plans. It also evaluates ADHD, with a focus on girls, and autism. Pediatric services run from preschoolers to high schoolers, and it writes the documentation students need for testing accommodations.
- Neuropsychological evaluations
- Preschool through high school
- Dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism
- Testing accommodation reports
brainworkup.org (opens their site)213-495-1155On Summerground
Lev Gottlieb, PhD
Los Angeles, Santa Monica and the South Bay
Good for Help lining up school support and therapy after testing
Dr. Gottlieb is a licensed neuropsychologist (PSY 26509) and assistant clinical professor at UCLA who evaluates children, teens and adults. His assessments cover intellect, reading, writing and math, language, memory, attention and executive skills, and he assesses for dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. After testing he coordinates care and stays available for consultation. He also founded Bright MindED, an educational therapy practice.
- Neuropsychological evaluations
- Children, teens and adults
- Dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia
- Care coordination after testing
Jessica Craig Psych Testing
Hermosa Beach
Good for South Bay families heading into an IEP meeting
Jessica Craig is a licensed educational psychologist (LEP #4701) in Hermosa Beach who tests children, teens and adults for dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. A full evaluation uses the WJ-IV, WIAT-4 and CTOPP-2 over 2 to 3 testing sessions, and she says reports for children and teens typically take 6 to 8 weeks. She was a contracted school psychologist for Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Torrance Unified, and starts with a free 15-minute call.
- Licensed educational psychologist
- WJ-IV, WIAT-4 and CTOPP-2
- 2 to 3 testing sessions
- Free 15-minute consultation
jessicacraigpsychtesting.com (opens their site)424-254-6767On Summerground
Duality Psychological Services
15250 Ventura Blvd, Suite 705, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Good for Dyslexia testing in Sherman Oaks
A psychology practice in Sherman Oaks that gives dyslexia evaluations to children, teens and adults. The evaluation includes a clinical interview, standardized reading and spelling tests, phonological processing measures, memory and processing tasks and writing assessments, followed by a written report and feedback in everyday language, with recommendations for home and school. It also tests for other learning disabilities, ADHD and autism.
- Children, teens and adults
- Phonological processing measures
- Written report and feedback session
- Also tests for ADHD and autism
dualitypsychservices.com (opens their site)818-208-7897On Summerground
Whole Child Neurodevelopment Group
Encino
Good for One focused question, with a targeted evaluation
Dr. Laura McDonald gives neuropsychological evaluations to children and young adults from an office in Encino, and sees families from Sherman Oaks, Calabasas and Beverly Hills. Testing covers intelligence, language, reading, writing and math, attention, memory, executive functioning and emotional well-being, and looks for learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia. For narrower questions it offers targeted evaluations and follow-ups.
- Neuropsychological evaluations
- Children and young adults
- Targeted evaluations available
- Free consultation
Chester Neuropsychology
Lake Balboa (Van Nuys) · 7023 Jellico Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406
Good for A second opinion after school testing
Adam Z. Chester, PsyD, a licensed clinical neuropsychologist, evaluates children whose reading, writing or math lags behind their ability, and sorts out whether a specific learning disorder or something else, such as language, attention, slow processing or anxiety, explains it. Reports cover classroom accommodations, targeted interventions and IEP or 504 planning. The practice is out of network: it doesn’t bill insurance, but gives a superbill on request.
- Pediatric neuropsychological evaluations
- Out of network; superbill on request
- Also sees teens and adults
- IEP and 504 guidance
chesterneuropsych.com (opens their site)310-218-5001On Summerground
MindWorks Psychological Assessments
23801 Calabasas Rd, Suite 2036, Calabasas, CA 91302
Good for West Valley and Calabasas families
MindWorks gives comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations for reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia) and math (dyscalculia) disorders. Testing covers cognitive functioning, attention and executive functioning, memory, reading, writing and math, fine motor and visual-motor skills, with oral language and emotional screening. It averages 5 to 6 hours of one-on-one testing over 1 to 3 appointments, with a feedback appointment about 2 to 3 weeks later.
- Psychoeducational evaluations
- 5 to 6 hours of one-on-one testing
- 1 to 3 appointments
- Feedback about 2 to 3 weeks after testing
mindworksca.com (opens their site)747-224-7406On Summerground
Simi Psychological Group
Thousand Oaks (Ventura County) · 25 W Rolling Oaks Dr, Suite 210, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Good for Families in Thousand Oaks and the Conejo Valley
Simi Psychological Group’s Thousand Oaks office gives neuropsychological testing to children and adults, including dyslexia and learning disorder testing that turns processing problems into school recommendations. Testing covers intellectual profile, attention and executive functioning, memory and processing speed, reading, writing and math, emotional regulation and visual-motor skills. It also serves Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, Westlake Village and Oak Park.
- Neuropsychological testing
- Children and adults
- Dyslexia and learning disorder testing
- Also tests ADHD, autism and giftedness
simipsychologicalgroup.com (opens their site)805-842-1994On Summerground
Lifespan: Center for Family Psychological Services
Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks (Ventura County) · 2801 Townsgate Rd, #133, Westlake Village, CA 91361
Good for Families hoping to use their insurance
A multi-clinician practice whose clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists test children, teens and adults for dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and other learning disorders, and write reports for 504 plans and IEPs; staff can attend school meetings. Testing takes one to three sessions of two to three hours, and the report comes two to three weeks later. It’s in network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, Health Net, UnitedHealthcare and others; self-pay runs $2,500 to $6,000.
- In network with most major insurers
- Self-pay $2,500 to $6,000
- 1 to 3 testing sessions
- Can attend school meetings
lifespancfps.com (opens their site)805-852-5039On Summerground
NeuroCognitive Solutions
315 Arden Ave, Suite 1, Glendale, CA 91203
Good for An evaluation that includes a school observation
Dr. Adelina Matevosyan, a pediatric neuropsychologist, offers both kinds of evaluation. Her neuropsychological assessment covers IQ, reading, writing and math, memory, attention, language, problem-solving, executive functions and mood: a 1 to 1.5 hour parent interview, 2 to 3 days of testing (6 to 10 hours), a feedback session and a written report. Her psychoeducational evaluation includes a school observation. She also does academic screeners and IEEs.
- Neuropsychological and psychoeducational
- 6 to 10 hours of testing over 2 to 3 days
- School observation (psychoeducational)
- Independent educational evaluations
neurocognitivesolutions.com (opens their site)On Summerground
The Exceptional Learner
200 E Del Mar Blvd, Suite 160, Pasadena, CA 91105
Good for Gifted kids who also have a learning difference
Erica, a licensed educational psychologist (LEP #4465), tests students from age 7 through college for dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. For reading, she tests how a child hears and works with the sounds in words and remembers written word patterns, alongside decoding and spelling. Testing is at her Pasadena office, at your home in the LA area for an added fee, or online anywhere in California. She also does IEEs and IEP and 504 consultations.
- Licensed educational psychologist
- Ages 7 through college
- Office, in-home or remote
- Free 20-minute consultation
theexceptionallearner.com (opens their site)818-860-0426On Summerground
Herman & Associates
1137 Huntington Dr, Building A, South Pasadena, CA
Good for Knowing the price before you book
A multidisciplinary team in South Pasadena that has given private psychoeducational assessments for more than 30 years, to children over 4, teens and adults with possible learning disabilities (including dyslexia), ADHD or autism. Its site says a full assessment takes about five 3-hour sessions and costs around $5,000 (the page also cites $5,400). It doesn’t bill insurance but gives you a statement to send your insurer. Testing is done at the South Pasadena office.
- Around $5,000 (its site says)
- About five 3-hour sessions
- Children over 4, teens and adults
- Statement for insurance reimbursement
psychodiagnosticevaluations.com (opens their site)323-344-0123On Summerground
The Center for Connection
Pasadena
Good for Fast answers about reading, writing or math
The Center for Connection’s Learning Disabilities and Learning Challenges Clinic gives targeted, single-day evaluations to kids, teens and adults with suspected learning disabilities in reading (dyslexia), writing or math. A psychologist leads it; the parent interview, testing and wrap-up all happen in one day, and the written report comes within a week. It’s in person in Pasadena or online for California families. For ADHD or autism questions, it may suggest its full psychological testing instead.
- Single-day evaluation
- Report within a week
- In person in Pasadena or virtual
- Reading, writing and math only
thecenterforconnection.org (opens their site)626-385-6121On Summerground
Psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluation?
Both can identify dyslexia. A psychoeducational evaluation measures how your child learns: thinking and reasoning skills, reading, spelling, writing and math, and the processing skills behind them. It’s built to answer school questions, such as whether your child has a specific learning disability and which accommodations or services would help. A neuropsychological evaluation covers the same ground and more, including memory, attention, language, visual-spatial and motor skills and emotional health. Families often choose one when there’s more going on: possible ADHD, a medical or neurological condition, or questions school testing didn’t answer.
Who does them:
- Licensed educational psychologists (LEPs) are licensed by California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences and give psychoeducational evaluations. Jessica Craig and The Exceptional Learner, on this list, are LEPs.
- Licensed psychologists give psychoeducational and broader psychological evaluations, often along with ADHD and autism testing.
- Neuropsychologists are licensed psychologists who specialize in how the brain affects learning and behavior. Some, like Leah Ellenberg, are board certified in neuropsychology.
- School psychologists do the testing when your public school district assesses your child, often with special education teachers and speech-language pathologists.
Whoever you choose, California’s dyslexia guidelines describe what a dyslexia evaluation should cover: phonological processing (phonological awareness, phonological memory and rapid naming), letter-sound knowledge, reading real and made-up words, reading fluency and comprehension, spelling, written expression and spoken language. The evaluator should also look at your child’s developmental, medical, family and school history, including vision and hearing screening.
The free route: testing through your school district
Your public school district has to find and evaluate children it suspects have a disability, and you can ask for an evaluation at any time. It costs you nothing, and it’s how a child with dyslexia gets an IEP in California: dyslexia falls under specific learning disability, one of 13 special education categories. Having dyslexia doesn’t make a child eligible on its own; the IEP team decides whether your child needs special education. These steps follow the California Department of Education’s dyslexia guidelines:
- Write to your child’s school asking for a special education assessment for a suspected learning disability, including dyslexia. Date the letter and keep a copy.
- Give your consent to the testing. The evaluation must be done within 60 days of your consent.
- School psychologists, special education teachers and speech-language pathologists test your child. If your child is bilingual, the guidelines say to assess in both languages before finding a learning disability.
- At the IEP meeting, the team decides whether your child is eligible. Federal guidance says nothing stops the team from using the word dyslexia in the evaluation or the IEP.
- If your child doesn’t qualify, ask about a 504 plan for accommodations such as extra time, audiobooks or text-to-speech.
What dyslexia testing costs, and who pays
Few practices publish prices. These are the ones we found:
- Herman & Associates in South Pasadena says a full assessment, about five 3-hour sessions, costs around $5,000; the same page also cites $5,400.
- Lifespan in Westlake Village lists $2,500 to $6,000 for self-pay clients, for one to three testing sessions of two to three hours plus an intake and a feedback meeting.
- SoCal Educational Evaluations, a Newport Beach practice led by an educational psychologist who also tests elsewhere in Southern California, lists $2,400 at its Orange County office and $2,800 in person elsewhere, for 2 to 5 hours of testing.
What you pay for is mostly time: testing hours, scoring, the written report and the feedback meeting. Ask how many hours of testing are planned, whether a school observation or an IEP meeting is included, and when you’ll get the report.
Insurance. Some practices don’t bill insurance at all. Chester Neuropsychology is out of network, and Herman & Associates works independently of health insurance; both give paperwork (a superbill or a statement) you can send your insurer for possible reimbursement. Lifespan is in network with most major insurers, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare. Before you book, call your insurer and ask whether psychological or neuropsychological testing is covered and what it needs from you.
Free options. Your school district’s evaluation costs nothing. If you disagree with it, you can ask for an independent educational evaluation at public expense. And if you pay for a private evaluation, share it: the district must consider it if it meets the district’s criteria.
How to choose an evaluator: questions to ask
Call two or three places before you book, and ask:
- Are you licensed, and as what? You can look up any California psychologist or educational psychologist on the state’s license search.
- How many children my child’s age do you test for reading problems, and which tests will you use for phonological processing and reading fluency?
- Will the report say whether my child has dyslexia, and give specific recommendations for school and home?
- How many sessions, how long is each, and when will I get the report? On this list, answers run from one day with a report in a week to reports in 6 to 8 weeks.
- Will you observe my child at school, talk with the teacher, or come to the IEP meeting, and does that cost extra?
- What’s the total cost, and do you give a superbill?
If attention is part of the picture, ask whether the evaluation will look at ADHD too. California’s dyslexia guidelines cite estimates that 15 to 40 percent of children with dyslexia are also diagnosed with ADHD; see our guide to ADHD testing for kids in Los Angeles. If testing confirms dyslexia and your child needs a different school, our guide to special needs schools in Los Angeles includes schools for learning differences.
Questions parents ask
How much does dyslexia testing cost in Los Angeles?
It depends mostly on how long the evaluation is. Few practices publish prices: Lifespan in Westlake Village lists $2,500 to $6,000 for self-pay clients, Herman & Associates in South Pasadena says a full assessment of about five 3-hour sessions costs around $5,000, and an Orange County educational psychologist lists $2,400 to $2,800. Some practices take insurance; others give a superbill. Your public school district’s evaluation is free.
Will my child’s school test for dyslexia for free?
Yes. Your public school district evaluates children it suspects have a disability at no cost to you, and you can ask for an evaluation in writing at any time. Once you consent, it must be done within 60 days. In California, dyslexia falls under the specific learning disability category, and the district can’t delay testing just to try reading interventions first. A private diagnosis isn’t required.
Do I need a private evaluation to get an IEP or 504 plan?
No. California’s dyslexia guidelines say an outside diagnosis isn’t required for special education or a 504 plan. A private evaluation can still help: the district must consider one you share if it meets the district’s criteria, and it can add detail the school’s testing doesn’t cover. If you disagree with the school’s evaluation, you can ask for an independent educational evaluation paid for by the district.
What is the difference between a psychoeducational and a neuropsychological evaluation?
A psychoeducational evaluation focuses on learning: thinking skills, reading, writing, math and the processing behind them, aimed at school decisions. A neuropsychological evaluation covers that plus memory, attention, language, visual-spatial and motor skills and emotional health, which helps when ADHD, a medical condition or a complicated history is in the mix. Both can identify dyslexia. Psychologists and licensed educational psychologists give psychoeducational evaluations; neuropsychological evaluations usually come from neuropsychologists.
At what age can a child be tested for dyslexia?
California’s dyslexia guidelines note that signs can show up in preschool, though an official diagnosis may wait until a child is reading and writing, and they stress that early identification matters. Practices set their own ages: on this list, The Exceptional Learner sees students from age 7, Herman & Associates tests children over 4, and BrainWorkup’s pediatric services start with preschoolers. Dyslexia runs in families, so tell the evaluator about relatives who struggled to read.
Can a dyslexia evaluation also check for ADHD?
Often, and it’s worth asking. California’s dyslexia guidelines cite estimates that 15 to 40 percent of children with dyslexia are also diagnosed with ADHD. Several practices on this list evaluate both, including BrainWorkup, Duality Psychological Services and Herman & Associates. A targeted reading evaluation may not: The Center for Connection’s single-day clinic may suggest its fuller testing when ADHD or autism is a question.
How we made this list
We searched the web for dyslexia, psychoeducational and neuropsychological testing across Los Angeles, including Sherman Oaks, Beverly Hills, Thousand Oaks and Pasadena, and kept practices whose own sites say they test children for dyslexia or other learning disabilities. Every detail about a practice comes from its own pages, read in October 2026; the rules about school evaluations come from the California Department of Education’s dyslexia guidelines.
No one paid to be on it. It’s information to start from, not medical or legal advice: check services, costs and coverage with each provider before you book. Spotted something out of date, or run a place that belongs here? Write to hello@summerground.com.