Question 1

What is Clinical Neuropsychology?

Accepted Answer

Clinical Neuropsychology is a specialist field within Clinical Psychology that focuses on the relationship between brain functioning and behaviour, thinking, and emotions.

Neuropsychological assessment helps us understand how different areas of the brain are working - particularly when there are concerns about memory changes, thinking or concentration difficulties, behavioural or personality changes, or cognitive decline associated with dementia or neurological conditions.

Clinical Neuropsychologists are highly trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of a wide range of neurological conditions, brain injuries, neurodevelopmental conditions, and psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.

Question 2

What does Neuropsychological Assessment involve?

Accepted Answer

A neuropsychological assessment involves a detailed evaluation of how the brain is functioning in everyday life. This typically includes:

(1) Review of medical, developmental, psychological,  educational, and occupational history.

(2)  Standardised testing of cognitive functions such as intellectual abilities, memory, language, attention, visual-spatial skills, processing speed, academic skills, and executive functioning (e.g., planning, problem-solving, impulse control).

(3) Assessment of social, emotional, behavioural, and personality functioning.

The goal is to provide a clear, integrated understanding of strengths and difficulties to guide diagnosis, treatment planning, and support.

Question 3

What training does a Clinical Neuropsychologist have to undergo?

Accepted Answer

Clinical Neuropsychologists are registered Psychologists with the Psychology Board of Australia (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency; AHPRA), who have completed advanced training in brain-behaviour relationships followed by a period of supervised practice.

This typically includes:

(1) An undergraduate degree in psychology.

(2) A postgraduate Master's or Doctoral degree in Clinical Neuropsychology.

(3) Completion of the Clinical Neuropsychology Registrar Program under professional supervision (approximately 1 to 2 years duration).

In total, becoming a Clinical Neuropsychologist usually involves around 6 to 8 years of university training, plus extensive supervised clinical experience.

Question 4

How can I prepare for a Neuropsychological Assessment?

Accepted Answer

To help you get the most from your assessment, try to get a good night's sleep the night before, and bring any glasses or hearing aids you use along with water and snacks.

Come prepared with photocopies of any relevant documentation that you have access to (e.g. brain imaging reports, allied health or medical reports, medication lists).

Question 5

What is the difference between a Registered Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, and Clinical Neuropsychologist?

Accepted Answer

1.	Registered Psychologist
 • A Registered Psychologist has completed a 4-year undergraduate degree in psychology, followed by a period of supervised practice.
 • They are registered as a General Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and have not completed additional formal training in specific areas of practice.

2.	Clinical Psychologist
 • Clinical Psychologists have completed further study in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. They are trained in various therapeutic techniques used in psychological intervention.
 • A Clinical Psychologist has completed a minimum of 6 to 8 years of university study in the field of clinical psychology, to the level of a Masters or Doctoral degree. They have also completed a formal period of supervised practice, called the Clinical Psychology Registrar Program.
 • Clinical Psychologists have endorsement from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) that allows them to use the title ‘Clinical Psychologist’.

3. 	Clinical Neuropsychologist
 • Clinical Neuropsychologists have completed advanced training in the brain and the various neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and neurological conditions that impact thinking, emotional and social functioning, personality, and behaviour. They are trained in the assessment of how different brain conditions impact functioning, with a large focus on neuropsychological assessment using evidence-based tests that measure different brain functions. Neuropsychologists are also trained in rehabilitation strategies following brain injury or insult (e.g. memory and executive functioning strategies).
 • Neuropsychologists are well-trained in the integration of medical test results (e.g. brain scans), neurodevelopmental history, psychosocial background, and cognitive test results to assist with diagnostic clarification and treatment/ support planning. While brain scans can provide information on the structure of the brain, Clinical Neuropsychologists assist with providing information on the function of the brain.
 • A Clinical Neuropsychologist has completed a minimum of 6 to 8 years of university study in the field of clinical neuropsychology, to the level of a Masters or Doctoral degree. They have also completed a formal period of supervised practice, called the Clinical Neuropsychology Registrar Program.
 • Clinical Neuropsychologists have endorsement from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) that allows them to use the title ‘Clinical Neuropsychologist’.

4. 	Dual Clinical Psychologist & Clinical Neuropsychologist
 • Professionals endorsed in both Clinical Psychology and Clinical Neuropsychology have completed university training and a period of supervised practice (Registrar Programs) in both fields.
 • Dually endorsed Clinical Psychologists/ Clinical Neuropsychologists have generally completed around 8 or more years of university training followed by a period of supervised practice via both the Clinical Psychology and Clinical Neuropsychology Registrar Programs.
 • They provide a holistic approach to assessment, including an understanding of the complex interaction between mental health and neurological/ brain concerns.

Lorryn has endorsement from AHPRA as both a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist. She has completed 8.5 years of university study followed by 3.5 years of supervised Registrar Programs with AHPRA. She also has extensive experience working with a wide range of conditions, including neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. ASD, ADHD, Intellectual Disability), neurological conditions (e.g. multiple sclerosis, encephalopathy, infectious diseases, traumatic and acquired brain injuries), neurodegenerative conditions (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Huntington’s disease), and psychiatric conditions (e.g. Schizophrenia).

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