A Guide to Clinical Neuropsychology

This guide is intended for use by students and consumers of clinical neuropsychology services including medical and legal professionals, payors, employers, governmental agencies and patients. We hope that the information in this guide will provide a summary of the types of services provided by neuropsychologists as well as the education and training requirements of this growing profession.

What is "Clinical Neuropsychology"?

The term, clinical neuropsychology, was first used in 1913 and refers to the scientific study of brain-behavior relationships. In the United States, the field evolved from it's parent disciplines of neurology and psychology in the 1940's although it's status as a recognized specialty in clinical practice was only achieved in the late 1990's. Clinical neuropsychologists use behavioral methods such as interviews, observations, paper-pencil and computerized tests or other specialized procedures to diagnose  brain disease or dysfunction. A comprehensive neuropsychological examination usually addresses an individual's functioning in a variety of areas including; sensory and motor functions; intelligence; memory and learning; language; visual-spatial functions; attention, concentration and information processing speed; problem solving; and social-emotional functioning. The pattern and level of performance on the neuropsychological examination is then analyzed to determine the degree of similarity to known neurological or psychiatric diseases or disorders. The pattern of strengths and weaknesses derived from the neuropsychlogical examination may also be used to develop a baseline for latter comparison or remedial interventions.