Clinical Neuropsychology

BYU's clinical subspecialty training explicitly follows the Houston Model.

Read below for links to what those guidelines are and what it means to be a clinical neuropsychologist.

What is Clinical Neuropsychology?

In 1996 (and re-approved 2003), the American Psychological Association explained that the discipline of neuropsychology is built upon “basic experimental research in physiological and cognitive psychology; the development of quantitative and qualitative neuropsychological principles and procedures for clinical practice; and the syndromal analysis of the behavioral consequences of central nervous system lesions…The foundation for the practice of clinical neuropsychology encompasses roles that address psychological or behavioral manifestations of neurological, neuropathological, pathophysiological, and neurochemical changes in brain disease and the full range of aberrations in the central nervous system that may arise during development…”

What do Clinical Neuropsychologists do?

Clinical neuropsychology involves the application of clinical psychology, assessment, and knowledge of neural mechanisms in order to conceptualize human cognitive and behavioral functioning. At the Houston Conference in 1996, a committee of 42 neuropsychologists and other professionals summarized the role of a neuropsychologist:

“A clinical neuropsychologist is a professional psychologist trained in the science of brain-behavior relationships. The clinical neuropsychologist specializes in the application of assessment and intervention principles based on the scientific study of human behavior across the lifespan as it relates to normal and abnormal functioning of the central nervous system.”

Neuropsychologists have specialized skills in assessment and intervention. They receive extensive training in order to conduct psychological and neurological assessments and are often required to differentiate between psychogenic and neurological disorders. Neuropsychologists also assess spared or impaired functioning, acting as consultants to develop appropriate treatment and interventions for rehabilitation.

Where do they work?

Clinical neuropsychologists work in a variety of settings, but most work in hospitals or other medical facilities, private practice, or a combination of the two.

Who do they work with?

Due to specialized training in both neurological and psychological disorders, clinical neuropsychologists work with diverse populations, including: neurological populations (e.g., degenerative diseases, head trauma, etc.), psychiatric populations (e.g., pseudoneurologic somatoform disorders), and pediatric populations (e.g., children with developmental and/or learning disabilities).

What Makes Clinical Neuropsychology Unique?

Neuropsychologists obtain a foundational knowledge of psychological science, including clinical practice.

Building on this foundation, according to the APA in 1996 and again in 2003, clinical neuropsychologists also gain additional expertise in “comprehensive history taking; identification of neurobehavioral problems/issues to be addressed, application of a wide range of neuropsychological assessment procedures to multiple populations; test construction and validation; remedial and supportive intervention design and implementation…”

How do I Become a Clinical Neuropsychologist?

Becoming a neuropsychologist requires a doctoral degree in psychology, including a one-year internship. Following internship, a neuropsychologist must complete an additional two-year training experience under the supervision of a clinical neuropsychologist. Finally, clinical neuropsychologists must become licensed to practice within their state. Competence as a neuropsychologist may also be demonstrated via ABPP/ABCN board certification, though this certification is currently not required.