FAA Psychiatric Evaluations vs Neuropsychological Evaluations (2026)
A deferral or request letter from the FAA can ask for a psychiatric evaluation, a neuropsychological evaluation, or both. A psychiatrist performs the first evaluation. A neuropsychologist performs the second evaluation. This article explains what each evaluation covers, how to read your letter, and the order the FAA follows in common cases.
Next step: if your letter names an SSRI or other medication, see the FAA SSRI Neuropsychological Evaluation page or schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
What the psychiatric evaluation covers
A board-certified psychiatrist reviews your symptom and treatment history, current diagnosis, medication, severity, and risk of recurrence. In SSRI cases, the psychiatrist also addresses each FAA rule-out, such as a suicide attempt or psychiatric hospitalization (Dr. Olin does not perform psychiatric evaluations.)
What the neuropsychological evaluation covers
A neuropsychologist administers the CogScreen-AE and a clinical interview, and adds further testing when the results or the letter call for it. The report documents cognitive function and identifies any weakness that could affect flight safety (Dr. Olin performs this evaluation).
How to read your FAA letter
Letters open with the history that triggered the review. A common form reads:
Due to your history of [condition] and the use of [medication], the FAA finds that additional information is necessary to determine whether you meet the medical standards prescribed in 14 C.F.R. part 67.
The rest of the letter then lists the items that the FAA requests (evaluations, personal statements, records requests, etc.).
Common patterns in FAA requests
FAA requests vary, and most letters follow a common pathway.
When the letter names a mental health condition plus a medication, the FAA often requests the psychiatric and neuropsychological evaluations at the same time.
When the letter requests an ADHD evaluation, and a substance disclosure occurs during the ADHD evaluation, the FAA often reviews the ADHD neuropsychological report first. If the pilot discloses substance use, the FAA then often requests a psychiatric evaluation. See the ADHD Fast Track and FAA Neuropsychological Evaluation pages or the article on ADHD Standard Track for more information about the ADHD pathways.
When the case is substance-related and/or includes DUIs, the psychiatric evaluation typically comes first, but after meeting with a HIMS AME. The FAA may request a neuropsychological evaluation after it reviews the psychiatric report.
When the letter mentions autism spectrum disorder, the FAA often requests the neuropsychological protocol first and asks for a psychiatric evaluation during review.
The FAA decides each case on its own record, so follow the wording of your letter.
Timing and coordination
Both reports can go to the FAA as standalone documents. The psychiatrist and the neuropsychologist often consult before finalizing their reports, so give each clinician a signed release that allows them to speak with each other and share their reports.
Request your FAA medical file with Form 8065-2 as soon as your letter arrives. Allow 4 weeks for delivery of the records (the range can be 3-6 weeks). In SSRI cases, the FAA requires every report to be current within 90 days. Ask your evaluators which window applies to your case.
If you are working with a HIMS AME, you can ask for the names of psychiatrists who complete FAA evaluations.
Common questions
Do I need both evaluations?
Your letter clarifies this. Some letters request a single evaluation, and the FAA may request the second one after it reviews the first report.
Does the same clinician perform both?
No. A psychiatrist performs the psychiatric evaluation and a neuropsychologist performs the neuropsychological evaluation.
Which one should I schedule first?
Follow the order in your letter. If the letter requests both, schedule both as soon as your FAA file request is in, since each needs its own appointment and report time.
Written by Jason Olin, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist. Dr. Olin is a HIMS-certified neuropsychologist who conducts FAA neuropsychological evaluations, including ADHD Standard Track and Fast Track cases. He sees clients onsite in Newport Beach, California, and by telehealth across 43 PSYPACT states and New York.
Last updated October 2026. Source: FAA SSRI Initial Certification Aid (updated 08/26/2026)
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