Today we’d like to introduce you to Rada West, PhD.
Hi Rada, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a not-so-secret love for neuropsychology and a knack for helping people of all ages navigate life’s twists and turns. My specialty is a bit of a mouthful—developmental, neuropsychological, psychological, and independent psychoeducational evaluations—but in plain English, I help people understand how their brains work and how they can thrive.
My journey began at Alliant International University’s California School of Professional Psychology in Fresno, CA, where I earned my doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a focus on neuropsychology. After that, I packed my bags for New Jersey (which is my home state) to complete a one-year internship at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, where I dove into the world of rehabilitation and neuropsychology. Then it was off to sunny San Diego for a two-year fellowship at Sharp Rehabilitation Center, where I worked with individuals ranging from teenagers to seniors. My passion for continued growth led me to Rady Children’s Hospital, where I worked with children from infancy through adolescence, focusing on the evaluation of neurodevelopmental conditions, such as Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and related conditions.
I’ve been licensed since 2006, and in 2014, I decided to try my hand at private practice as a consultant for community practices. Then, in January 2018, I took the plunge and founded West Neurobehavioral Services, Neuropsychological and Psychological Consultants, P.C. (I know, the name is almost as long as my resume!) Thankfully, we go by West Neurobehavioral Services.
One of my absolute favorite parts of this work is collaborating with patients, families, and community providers. I’ve had the honor of following several families over the years, watching them develop new skills, discover more about themselves, and learn how to advocate for what they need to thrive—whether that’s at home, school, work, or in the community. For me, it’s never just about assessments and reports; it’s about building real relationships, sharing a few laughs along the way, and creating a supportive environment where everyone can grow—brains and all!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building a neuropsychology private practice has been one of the most rewarding—and, at times, humbling—adventures of my career. When I first set out, I imagined a world where I could focus on helping people, collaborating with colleagues, and making a meaningful impact. What I didn’t fully anticipate were the many hats I’d have to wear along the way.
One of the biggest challenges was simply getting started. The the learning curve can be steep. Suddenly, I realized my job title had expanded far beyond clinician. I was now the CEO (Chief Executive Officer), CFO (Chief Finance Officer), COO (Chief Operations Officer), and even CRO (Chief Replenishment Officer), managing everything from entrepreneurship and office logistics to IT support and cleaning duties. Navigating the world of business licenses, insurance panels, billing systems, and compliance regulations was a crash course in resilience, persistance, and patience.Turns out, running a practice means wearing a lot of hats, sometimes all at once!
Another pitfall is the unpredictability of referrals and caseloads, especially in the early days. There were times when I wondered if the phone would ever ring, and other times when I felt like I was juggling more than I could handle. Finding that balance between providing high-quality care and managing the business side—remains an ongoing challenge.
Staffing and training also come with their own set of hurdles. Building a team that shares your vision and values takes time, and there are inevitable bumps along the way. I’ve learned that clear communication, flexibility, and a sense of humor are essential, especially when things don’t go as planned (which, let’s be honest, is more often than we’d like to admit). My team includes two incredible virtual assistants who keep everything running behind the scenes, a brilliant associate with deep expertise in psychoeducational and neurodevelopmental evaluations (also my trusty sidekick), and a fearless practicum student diving into the field. At the heart of our work is a simple philosophy: every individual deserves an individualized approach. Our evaluations are designed to help each person understand themselves more fully and discover how to show up at their best.
Perhaps one of the most unexpected challenges has been learning to set boundaries and actually stick to them. When you’re passionate about your work, it tends to sneak into every nook and cranny of your life. I’ve had to remind myself that running on fumes isn’t a long-term strategy. Taking care of my own well-being is key—not just for me, but so I can show up fully for my patients and my team. After all, you can’t keep others regulated if your own amygdala’s on fire.
Despite the pitfalls, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. Each challenge has taught me something new about the field, about running a business, and about myself. And while there are days when I still feel like I’m building the plane while flying it, I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow, adapt, and, hopefully, make a difference along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about West Neurobehavioral Services Neuropsych?
West Neurobehavioral Services (WNS) is a neuropsychological and psychological consulting practice dedicated to helping individuals of all ages better understand themselves and reach their fullest potential. At our core, we specialize in comprehensive neuropsychological, psychological, developmental, and independent psychoeducational evaluations. Our clients range from infants, children, and adolescents to adults, and we work closely with families, schools, and community providers to ensure that everyone receives the support and guidance they need.
What truly sets us apart is our collaborative, relationship-driven approach. We don’t just deliver reports, we take the time to get to know each person, listen to their story, and tailor our assessments and recommendations to their unique needs and goals. We’re dedicated to making the evaluation process clear and understandable, equipping individuals and families with the knowledge they need to confidently advocate for themselves or their loved ones.
We’re also known for our commitment to ongoing learning and growth, both for our clients and our staff. Whether we’re training new clinicians, consulting with community partners, or staying up-to-date with the latest research, we believe that everyone benefits when we learn together.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the reputation we’ve built for compassionate, thorough, and actionable care. Our clients often tell us they feel truly seen and supported, and that’s the highest compliment we could hope for. We want readers to know that at WNS, you’re not just a case or a number, you’re a valued member of our community. We’re here to help you understand your strengths, navigate your challenges, and find practical ways to thrive at home, at school, at work, and beyond.
Whether you’re seeking answers, support, or simply a place to be heard, we’re honored to be part of your journey.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What is there not to love about San Diego? As someone originally from the East Coast—specifically the NY/NJ area—I can honestly say I do not miss the harsh weather, the endless potholes, or the constant hustle and bustle (and let’s not even talk about parallel parking in Manhattan). Moving to San Diego was a dream of mine ever since graduate school, when I first visited for a conference. The moment I felt the sunshine, saw the palm trees, and realized there were entire cities nestled along the ocean, I thought, “Wait, people actually live like this?” From that point on, I knew this was where I wanted to be, and I feel incredibly grateful to have made that dream a reality.
What I love most about our city is the incredible sense of community and diversity. There’s a genuine warmth here, people truly look out for one another, and there’s a real spirit of collaboration, whether it’s among neighbors, local businesses, or community organizations. I also appreciate San Diego’s commitment to growth and innovation, especially in healthcare and education. And of course, the local food scene is fantastic, and the abundance of beautiful parks and oceanfront cities makes it easy to unwind after a busy day (or to pretend I’m training for a marathon when I’m really just strolling with a coffee and admiring the view). But let’s be honest—the weather is hands-down the best part. I still wake up some mornings and can’t believe I get to call this place home.
If I had to pick something I like least, it would have to be the wildfires. I was here for both the 2003 and 2007 fires. Those were incredibly stressful experiences, and they gave me a deep appreciation for our first responders. I am so grateful for their bravery and dedication in keeping our community safe during those challenging times. Despite the occasional wildfire scare, I wouldn’t trade San Diego’s sunshine, ocean breezes, and vibrant community for anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.westneurobehavioral.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rada-west-76730059
Image Credits
pexels-photo-256468.jpeg is the child writing and smile-bank-sit-rest-160739.jpeg for the smiling faces
