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.