Zanjbeel Mahmood, PhD

"Many people with cognitive impairment can’t fully benefit from traditional therapy, and they deserve care from someone who understands both their neurocognitive and emotional needs. I founded Excel Neuropsychology to offer that kind of specialized support for adults. You will work directly with me at every step, ensuring that your evaluation and treatment are informed by a deep understanding of your history, values, and goals. Whether you are adapting to a neurological condition, striving to optimize cognitive performance, or seeking support for mental health concerns, my aim is to provide thoughtful, individualized care that empowers you to excel in the ways that matter most." — Dr. Z

Dr. Zanjbeel Mahmood, known to many of her patients as Dr. Z, is a licensed psychologist and clinical neuropsychologist. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCLA and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Quantitative Methods from the SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program (JDP). Her expertise in neuropsychology and cognitive rehabilitation was further developed through mentorship from Dr. Beth Twamley, an internationally recognized neuropsychologist and researcher known for developing the CogSMART and Compensatory Cognitive Training interventions.

She completed a clinical internship specializing in Geropsychology and a two-year APA-accredited clinical neuropsychology residency program at the West Los Angeles VA Health Center. In addition to providing specialized clinical services to her patients, Dr. Mahmood has published extensively in the scientific literature. Her research focuses on understanding the cognitive challenges faced by individuals living with neurological and psychiatric conditions and on evaluating effective treatments.

Dr. Mahmood specializes in helping individuals understand and adapt to the cognitive, emotional, and life-adjustment challenges associated with neurological and psychiatric conditions. She is passionate about empowering patients with insight, practical strategies, and evidence-based interventions that foster resilience, enhance daily functioning, and support meaningful change. She brings a scientific understanding of lifestyle factors like physical activity and sleep into her clinical work, weaving them into a holistic, practical approach to cognitive health and overall wellbeing. She has a particular passion for working with older adults, supporting healthy aging and helping individuals adapt to cognitive, medical, and life transitions with confidence and dignity.

She is dedicated to providing inclusive care to individuals of all backgrounds and identities. Her work is guided by a culturally informed perspective that acknowledges the intersection of social, cultural, and personal identities and the ways these experiences can influence health, well-being, and access to care. She is committed to fostering a therapeutic environment where every individual feels respected, understood, and valued.

Publications:

View a full list of Dr. Mahmood's publications on Google Scholar.