Merrie Elisens, PhD in Oklahoma City: Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychological Testing

Merrie Elisens, PhD, is a clinical psychologist offering individual psychotherapy and neuropsychological evaluation in Oklahoma City. She holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and specializes in assessment of cognitive and behavioral concerns across age groups, with particular attention to neurological basis of psychological symptoms. Her practice operates independently, accepting most major insurance plans and self-pay clients.

What Merrie Elisens, PhD actually is

A licensed clinical psychologist with doctoral training, Elisens provides two distinct services: ongoing psychotherapy for adults managing depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health concerns, and neuropsychological testing for clients who need detailed assessment of memory, attention, processing speed, language, and executive function. Neuropsych testing is often ordered when a patient's primary-care doctor or neurologist suspects cognitive decline, learning disability, brain injury aftermath, or neurodevelopmental disorder and needs objective measurement beyond standard screening. She works with self-referred patients and those sent by other providers within Oklahoma City's medical community.

Neuropsychological testing scope and psychotherapy services

Neuropsychological testing typically involves multiple sessions of one-on-one testing with pencil-and-paper tasks, computerized measures, and clinical interview, followed by a written report with recommendations. Sessions run 1.5 to 3 hours per day over several days. Testing cost varies by complexity but generally ranges from $2,000 to $4,500 out of pocket; verify exact fee when scheduling, as charges depend on the scope of domains tested. Insurance coverage is inconsistent; call ahead to confirm your plan covers neuropsych evaluation and what your out-of-pocket responsibility will be.

Psychotherapy sessions are typically 50 minutes and billed at rates between $120 and $180, depending on whether insurance is filing the claim. Many insurance plans cover therapy at varying copay and deductible levels. Elisens accepts Medicare, most commercial plans (including Blue Cross Blue Shield Oklahoma, Aetna, United Healthcare), and offers self-pay rates on request.

Comparison to other Oklahoma City psychologists and neuropsychology providers

Oklahoma City has several large mental-health practices (including Community Mental Health Centers and outpatient departments affiliated with OU Health and Integris) that offer therapy at lower copays but often with longer wait times for appointments. Elisens' independent practice means shorter wait times for initial evaluation, typically scheduling new patients within 2 to 3 weeks, though her neuropsych referral queue may extend longer during high-volume periods.

For neuropsychological testing specifically, Elisens competes with clinical neuropsychologists employed by OU Health Neuroscience Center and Integris Neuroscience, which operate within hospital systems and may coordinate testing with imaging or neurology visits. Hospital-based centers may have faster access to imaging if needed alongside testing but charge higher facility fees; Elisens' independent setting avoids facility markup but requires separate coordination if imaging is needed.

Psychotherapy-only clients seeking lower cost should consider Oklahoma City's community mental health centers, which offer sliding-scale fees; those prioritizing a single provider for both therapy and deeper assessment may find Elisens' combined training valuable.

Who this practice suits and who it does not

Elisens suits adults in Oklahoma City who (1) need neuropsychological testing ordered by a physician, (2) want therapy with a psychologist who also understands cognitive or neurological underpinnings of their symptoms, or (3) have complex mental health histories that benefit from comprehensive assessment. It is a good fit for patients with insurance that covers out-of-network psychologists or those willing to pay out of pocket for immediate appointments.

This practice is not suited to patients seeking crisis or emergency mental-health care (not offered; go to OU Health Emergency Department or Integris Emergency Department), parents seeking child-only therapy (Elisens works with adults and adolescents but not young children), or patients requiring substance-abuse treatment or psychiatric medication management (she does not prescribe; coordinate with a psychiatrist).

First visit and what to expect

A new-patient appointment begins with a clinical intake conducted by phone or in-office, covering psychiatric history, current symptoms, medications, substance use, and referral reason. Bring insurance card and photo ID. If you are being referred for neuropsych testing, Elisens will confirm the referral question and explain the testing battery before you commit. For ongoing therapy, expect to discuss goals and treatment approach. Most initial appointments are 50 to 60 minutes.

Hours, location, and logistics

Merrie Elisens, PhD maintains office hours Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some late afternoon slots available. Confirm specific availability and address when calling, as these details are subject to change with practice growth. Parking is private lot adjacent to office. Telehealth sessions are available for therapy-only appointments; in-person attendance is required for neuropsychological testing.

Elisens' independent practice and neuropsych credential make her a practical choice for Oklahoma City adults who need objective cognitive assessment or therapy from a psychologist trained to interpret neurological factors in mental health.