Clinical Neuropsychology is a specialist field within Clinical Psychology involving the study of neurological/ brain functioning and how it relates to human behaviour, thinking, and emotions.

Neuropsychological assessments assist with understanding how the different areas and systems of the brain are working. Testing is usually recommended when there are symptoms or complaints involving memory or thinking.

Clinical Neuropsychologists specialise in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a broad range of psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, neurological, and neurodegenerative conditions.

Neuropsychological Assessment typically involves detailed examination of an individual’s family, developmental, medical, psychological, and educational/ occupational history, along with testing of cognitive functions such as general intellectual abilities, memory, language, attention, visual-spatial processing, processing speed, social and emotional skills, academic skills, and higher-order thinking skills (e.g. planning and problem-solving).

Clinical psychological measures that examine social, emotional, behavioural, and personality functioning are typically also used.

Clinical Neuropsychologists are registered Psychologists with the Psychology Board of Australia (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency; AHPRA).

Specialist tertiary training and experience is required for registered Psychologists to hold endorsement as a Clinical Neuropsychologist. Study generally involves completion of an undergraduate Bachelor degree, followed by a postgraduate Masters or Doctoral degree in the field of Clinical Neuropsychology.

A subsequent period of supervised practice/experience of approximately 1 to 2 years duration must be completed under an endorsed and experienced Clinical Neuropsychologist. This program is referred to by the Psychology Board of Australia as the “Clinical Neuropsychology Registrar Program”.

Overall, the field of Clinical Neuropsychology requires approximately 8 years of study, training/ experience, and supervision.

It will be important to get sufficient sleep the night prior to your assessment. Bring along any glasses or hearing aids as these will be needed for the assessment tasks.

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).

Neuropsychological Assessments typically run for several hours so bring along a water bottle and some snacks.

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).