What is neuropsychology?
Clinical neuropsychology is a specialty profession that focuses on brain-behavior relationships. A clinical neuropsychologist is a licensed
psychologist with expertise in how behavior and skills are related to brain structures and systems. In clinical neuropsychology, brain
function is evaluated by objectively testing memory and thinking skills. A very detailed assessment of abilities is done, and the
pattern of strengths and weaknesses is used in important health care areas, such as diagnosis and treatment planning. The
clinical neuropsychologist conducts the evaluation and makes recommendations. He or she may also provide treatment, such as
cognitive rehabilitation, behavior management, or psychotherapy.
http://www.div40.org/pdf/NeuropscyhBroch2.pdf
psychologist with expertise in how behavior and skills are related to brain structures and systems. In clinical neuropsychology, brain
function is evaluated by objectively testing memory and thinking skills. A very detailed assessment of abilities is done, and the
pattern of strengths and weaknesses is used in important health care areas, such as diagnosis and treatment planning. The
clinical neuropsychologist conducts the evaluation and makes recommendations. He or she may also provide treatment, such as
cognitive rehabilitation, behavior management, or psychotherapy.
http://www.div40.org/pdf/NeuropscyhBroch2.pdf
Who are Clinical Neuropsychologists?
Clinical neuropsychologists are professional clinical psychologists who undergo additional specialty training in cognitive psychology, neuroanatomy and neuropathology, neuroscience, behavioral neurology, and pharmacology. Clinical neuropsychologists are primarily involved in the evaluation of a person's cognitive abilities.
NAN Definition of a Clinical Neuropsychologist (2001):
"A clinical neuropsychologist is a professional within the field of psychology with special expertise in the applied science of brain-behavior relationships. Clinical neuropsychologists use this knowledge in theassessment, diagnosis, treatment, and/or rehabilitation of patients across the lifespan with neurological, medical, neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions, as well as other cognitive and learning disorders.
The clinical neuropsychologist uses psychological, neurological, cognitive, behavioral, and physiological principles, techniques and tests to evaluate patients’ neurocognitive, behavioral, and emotional strengths and weaknesses and their relationship to normal and abnormal central nervous system functioning.
The clinical neuropsychologist uses this information and information provided by other medical/healthcare providers to identify and diagnose neurobehavioral disorders, and plan and implement intervention strategies.
The specialty of clinical neuropsychology is recognized by the American Psychological Association and the Canadian Psychological Association. They are often board certified akin to medical specialties. Clinical neuropsychologists are considered to be independent practitioners (healthcare providers) of both clinical neuropsychology and psychology."
"A clinical neuropsychologist is a professional within the field of psychology with special expertise in the applied science of brain-behavior relationships. Clinical neuropsychologists use this knowledge in theassessment, diagnosis, treatment, and/or rehabilitation of patients across the lifespan with neurological, medical, neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions, as well as other cognitive and learning disorders.
The clinical neuropsychologist uses psychological, neurological, cognitive, behavioral, and physiological principles, techniques and tests to evaluate patients’ neurocognitive, behavioral, and emotional strengths and weaknesses and their relationship to normal and abnormal central nervous system functioning.
The clinical neuropsychologist uses this information and information provided by other medical/healthcare providers to identify and diagnose neurobehavioral disorders, and plan and implement intervention strategies.
The specialty of clinical neuropsychology is recognized by the American Psychological Association and the Canadian Psychological Association. They are often board certified akin to medical specialties. Clinical neuropsychologists are considered to be independent practitioners (healthcare providers) of both clinical neuropsychology and psychology."
To learn more about how to become a clinical neuropsycholgist, see Training.