Neuropsychology is a subspecialty field of psychology that focuses on the relationship between behavior and brain function. This is done with a battery of tests and detailed interview. A neuropsychological assessment is the most thorough method for assessing for cognitive and/or academic problems.
A clinical neuropsychologist has:
- A doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited university training program.
- An internship, or its equivalent, in a clinically relevant area of professional psychology.
- The equivalent of two (full time) years of experience and specialized and supervised training, at least one of which is at the post-doctoral level, in the study and practice of clinical neuropsychology and related neurosciences.
- A license in his or her state to practice neuropsychology.
- Board certification (through formal credential verification, written and oral examination, and peer review) in the specialty of clinical neuropsychology is further evidence of the above advanced training, supervision, and applied fund of knowledge in clinical neuropsychology.
A list of board certified clinical neuropsychologists can be accessed via the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology website: American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology.
*From the Official Statement of the National Academy of Neuropsychology - Approved by the Board of Directors 5/5/2001
Does a neuropsychological evaluation differ from those of a school psychologist or a clinical psychologist?
Yes, in both cases. School psychologists, clinical psychologists, and clinical neuropsychologists all have similar goals in wanting to provide the best interventions for their clients.
A clinical neuropsychologist, however, provides specialized services because he or she understands a person’s behavior from multiple perspectives: medical, emotional, behavioral, cognitive, educational, and rehabilitative.
Our evaluations are not limited by the objectives of a psychological treatment plan or a school setting. Instead, we incorporate extensive detail about one’s medical history, developmental background, cognitive ability, academic achievement, and day-to-day functioning because we intend to make recommendations that are applicable in all major areas of a patient’s life.