FAA Neuropsychological Evaluations
HIMS-Certified Provider
Comprehensive evaluations for pilots and air traffic controllers with a history of TBI, substance use, SSRI treatment, psychiatric hospitalization, or other conditions under FAA review. CogScreen-AE Pro on site.
The evaluation includes a clinical interview, review of the complete FAA medical file, CogScreen-AE Pro, and a full neuropsychological battery. The report is written to FAA-specific format requirements and addresses every concern identified in the deferral letter.
Most of the timeline is driven by the wait for FAA records to be shared, which is outside Dr. Olin's control. Once records and testing are complete, reports are delivered within 7 days. Rush evaluations are available for applicants facing employment deadlines.
Eligible for the ADHD Fast Track evaluation? See the FAA ADHD Fast Track Evaluation Page.
Which FAA Evaluation Pathway Applies to You?
If you have a past ADHD diagnosis and no other psychiatric history: Fast Track
If you have anxiety, depression, substance history, or prior FAA deferral: Comprehensive evaluation
If you are unsure: Consultation
When to schedule an FAA evaluation
For most FAA mental health evaluations, airmen and applicants should not schedule an evaluation until they have received a deferral or request letter from the FAA. These letters specify the exact protocol the FAA is requesting, and completing an evaluation before that guidance is issued is an evaluation completed before that guidance is issued may not be appropriate. The wording in that letter shapes the evaluation. The FAA ADHD Standard Track article covers the timings that follow.
Once the letter is received, timelines compress. At that point, the FAA’s clock governs record collection, collateral documentation, and scheduling.
If you are unsure whether it is appropriate to schedule yet, a brief consult can help clarify next steps before any testing is initiated.
Who Needs an FAA Neuropsychological Evaluation?
You may be referred for a neuropsych eval if you:
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Used prescription stimulants for ADHD within the last four years
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Sustained a concussion or other traumatic brain injury
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Have a history of depression, anxiety, or PTSD, including current or past SSRI use
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Have a DUI, substance use history, or alcohol-related incident on record
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Showed cognitive concerns during your AME exam
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Need a special‑issuance after a serious medical or psychiatric event
If you’re unsure which pathway applies, please reach out for a consultation. See what pilots should know about CogScreen-AE preparation.
SSRI and Antidepressant History
The FAA requires a neuropsychological evaluation for pilots who have been prescribed an SSRI or other antidepressant, whether the pilot is taking it or has stopped. The protocol depends on which medication was prescribed, how long it was used, and how long ago it was stopped. The evaluation focuses on cognitive functioning and confirms the absence of residual symptoms that would affect flight safety. See the FAA SSRI neuropsychological evaluation page. For the full pathway, read FAA Medical After SSRI or Antidepressant Use.
DUI, Substance Use, or Alcohol-Related Incidents
A DUI or substance-related incident on record triggers a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation through the HIMS program in many cases. The FAA is evaluating whether an underlying pattern of use would pose a safety risk. Testing covers cognitive functioning, personality, and substance use history. These cases can require collateral interviews and extended record review.
Traumatic Brain Injury or Concussion
Pilots and applicants with a history of TBI or concussion are evaluated to determine whether any lasting cognitive effects are present. The FAA applies different requirements depending on the severity of the injury, the time since the event, and whether symptoms have fully resolved. Timing matters in these cases, and evaluating too early can work against the applicant. Read more about TBI and concussion evaluations for pilots.
ADHD with Recent Medication Use (Standard Track)
Pilots and applicants who have taken stimulant medication for ADHD within the past four years are not eligible for the ADHD Fast Track pathway. The FAA requires a full neuropsychological evaluation including CogScreen-AE and a comprehensive cognitive battery. The FAA calls this the Standard Track. The evaluation establishes whether ADHD symptoms are present and whether cognitive functioning meets FAA standards for flight safety. Read more about what happens after a Standard Track deferral, including the timings and the reasons cases can get stuck.
Psychiatric History or Prior FAA Deferral
A history of major depression, anxiety disorder, PTSD, or psychiatric hospitalization may prompt the FAA to request an evaluation before issuing or renewing a medical certificate. The same applies to applicants who have been deferred by the FAA in the past for any psychological or neuropsychological reason. These evaluations are tailored to the specific concerns raised in the deferral letter and call for a specific battery.
Psychotherapy
Many pilots avoid therapy because they fear it will cost them their medical certificate. You can learn more about the FAA's updated guidance, released in May 2026, which takes a clear position. It encourages pilots and air traffic controllers to seek help at the first sign of difficulty, and it treats therapy as compatible with medical certification.
What to Expect in Our Evaluation
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Document Review. We review your AME letter, medical records, and any prior testing. This ensures we address every FAA concern up front. If your FAA letter requests a psychiatric evaluation as well, see FAA Psychiatric vs Neuropsychological Evaluation.
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Clinical Interview. 90‑120 minute in‑office interview covering history and current functioning. This provides important context and rules out disqualifying conditions.
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CogScreen‑AE Pro. A computerized test of attention, working memory, & psychomotor speed. It is the FAA benchmark for flight‑critical cognitive skills.
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Comprehensive Battery. Tests of memory, executive functions, processing speed, and mood. The FAA requires full battery when medications, injury, or other risk factors are present.
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Integrated Report. Detailed FAA‑formatted report, diagnostic impressions, & recommendations delivered in 5 to 7 business days. Your AME uploads to MedXPress for FAA review, or the report is sent directly to the FAA.
See how to prepare for your evaluation here.
Why Pilots and Pilot Applicants Choose Olin Psychological
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Draft reports are delivered within 7 days
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Specializes in FAA ADHD evaluations for pilots, pilot applicants, and air traffic controllers.
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Ongoing support if the FAA requests clarification
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Reports are written to FAA expectations, with clear symptom history, objective data, and defensible conclusions
Scheduling, Fees & Expected Timings
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Scheduling: Most pilots are seen within 21 days of inquiry, providing all records are available.
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Fees: Clear quotes within one business day. Payment plans available, and fees may be reduced when the case is straightforward or recent records shorten testing.
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Turn‑around: Reports are completed 5 to 7 days after testing (optional rush report), assuming that the FAA medical file has been received.
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SSRI Neuropsychological Evaluation
• Up to 6 hours: clinical interview, CogScreen‑AE only, FAA‑formatted report in 7 days.
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Psychological Evaluation
• Up to 10 hours: clinical interview, full battery, FAA‑formatted report in 7 days.
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Standard FAA Neuropsychological Evaluation
• Up to 12 hours: clinical interview, CogScreen‑AE, full battery, FAA‑formatted report in 7 days.
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Complex Neuropsychological Evaluation/ Special‑Issuance
• Up to 15 hours: includes supplemental record review and extended testing.
About Dr. Olin
USC-trained clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist. Former NIH-funded behavioral scientist with 30+ years in clinical assessment. Reports are written to FAA documentation standards.
Dr. Olin has a longstanding interest in aviation, from building model aircraft to flying flight simulators (X-Plane, Honeycomb Alpha Yoke). His office is near SNA.
Common Questions
Testing Logistics
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How is this different from the ADHD Fast Track?
Fast Track is for pilots and applicants who stopped ADHD meds ≥ 4 years ago and show no impairment; no testing is required. Neuropsych evaluations cover wider issues (TBI, psych meds, substance history) and require a full battery. Applicants routed to the Standard Track can read what happens after the deferral.
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How do I know which test battery I will receive?
The deferral or denial letter from the FAA states the battery. If the letter calls out SSRI, HIV, ADHD, or substance use, the test battery is specific to those areas. If the letter names a psychological evaluation or a neuropsychological evaluation, the battery follows that evaluation type.
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Can I do a practice CogScreen test with you?
No. The CogScreen is given as part of a test battery, as required.
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Can I take the CogScreen at home?
No. FAA policy requires CogScreen‑AE Pro be administered in a controlled setting by a qualified examiner.
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Will this affect my current medical certificate?
The goal is to satisfy the FAA’s request so you can keep or regain privileges.
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Do you offer virtual testing?
The FAA mandates in‑person cognitive testing. Interviews can be virtual if you live outside Southern California; testing is completed in one visit to Newport Beach when possible.
Fees and Payment
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How fast will I receive a quote?
Same day in most cases.
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What makes the cost go up or down?
Record complexity, length of testing, need for collateral interviews, etc.
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Can I get a payment plan or hardship discount?
Yes; 33% initial payment + two installments.
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