Clinical neuropsychology

What is a clinical neuropsychologist?

Clinical neuropsychologists specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders associated with conditions affecting the brain. These include neurological, medical and psychiatric conditions, developmental disorders and learning disabilities. Neuropsychological assessment can help with diagnosis and treatment planning, and can be used to establish a baseline for future comparison. Neuropsychologists use assessment results to help patients, families, teachers, employers and others by providing them with feedback, understanding and support, and by enabling them to develop realistic expectations through education, recommendations and advice.

Clinical neuropsychologists play important roles in general and specialist medical settings, including paediatrics, rehabilitation, neurosciences, psychiatry and aged care, and also in medicolegal evaluations.

Areas of specialisation

Clinical neuropsychologists provide assessments and treatment recommendations for people experiencing difficulties with memory, learning, attention, language, reading, problem-solving, decision-making or other aspects of behaviour and thinking abilities. Neuropsychologists also provide treatment that may employ cognitive, educational, behavioural or psychosocial methods.

Skills of clinical neuropsychologists

Clinical neuropsychologists have advanced skills in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning of a range of disorders and contexts across the lifespan. Neuropsychologists are trained to understand the cognitive, emotional and behavioural effects of a wide range of conditions, including:

• Developmental
• Degenerative
• Demyelinating
• Infectious
• Vascular
• Immunological
• Inflammatory
• Nutritional
• Endocrine
• Metabolic
• Drug/alcohol
• Toxic
• Epileptic
• Structural
• Psychiatric
• Traumatic

Clinical neuropsychologists' skills are underpinned by knowledge of brain structure, function and dysfunction, and the effects of multiple factors on cognitive, behavioural and emotional functioning.

Neuropsychological assessment provides a detailed profile of the patient's strengths and weaknesses, and is recognised as a sensitive tool for the diagnosis of cognitive impairment, particularly in cases where changes are subtle and not evident on screening assessments or neuroimaging. It helps with diagnosis and treatment planning for people experiencing difficulties with memory, attention, language or other aspects of cognition or behaviour. Because neuropsychological conditions can worsen or improve with time and treatment, neuropsychological assessment is valued as providing a baseline for future comparison of changes over time. It can also be used in predicting and enhancing social, educational and vocational outcomes.

Neuropsychological assessments involve a clinical interview and a range of individually administered tests. They can range from brief consultations to detailed comprehensive evaluations involving several hours of face-to-face contact. The results of the assessment are then used to assist with developing individual treatment recommendations or plans.

Neuropsychological treatments are designed specifically for the needs of individual clients, taking into account their unique psychological needs and personalities. Treatments use a holistic framework where cognitive, emotional, motivational and non-cognitive functions are addressed, integrating learning theory, cognitive psychology and neuropsychology. Neuropsychological treatments can range from a few short sessions to multiple, extended sessions.

Qualifications and registration

Clinical neuropsychologists have usually completed a minimum of six years full-time university training. This includes, but is not restricted to, postgraduate study in a recognised clinical neuropsychology training program and further supervised experience as a clinical neuropsychologist.

All psychologists are legally required to be registered with the Psychologist Registration Board in their State or Territory, and, as of July 2010, the Psychology Board of Australia. This is to ensure that they meet specified standards of competence and ethical practice.

In addition, psychologists follow strict guidelines for professional conduct that cover client privacy and confidentiality. Ethical codes are set and monitored by the APS and have been developed to safeguard the welfare of recipients of psychological services and the integrity of the psychology profession.

APS College of Clinical Neuropsychologists

Membership of the APS College of Clinical Neuropsychologists (CCN) is restricted to psychologists who have completed specialised training and supervised experience in clinical neuropsychology. College members are required to undertake regular professional development activities in the area of clinical neuropsychology to maintain their skills and stay up to date in their field.

For information regarding the College go to www.groups.psychology.org.au/ccn.

Locating a clinical neuropsychologist

• To locate a CCN member, use the APS online referral service ‘Find a Psychologist' (www.findapsychologist.org.au). Select the Advanced Search tab, then enter the age range of the individual to be seen under the Who is this for? option. Under the heading What are the issues? select Neuropsychological Assessment, and under the option APS College Membership, tick Clinical Neuropsychologists (CCN). This will ensure that the psychologists you find are members of the CCN.
• Look for the APS listing under ‘psychologists' in the Yellow Pages.
• Enquire through a government department or private agency concerned with health or social and community services.
• Medicare rebates are not currently available for neuropsychological services. Private health funds, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other insurance bodies may provide some level of reimbursement.