What is Clinical Neuropsychology?
Clinical neuropsychology is a specialty field within clinical psychology, dedicated to understanding the relationships between brain and behavior, particularly as these relationships can be applied to the diagnosis of brain disorder, assessment of cognitive and behavioral functioning, and the design of effective treatment.
What is a Clinical Neuropsychologist?
A clinical neuropsychologist is an independent, professional, doctoral level psychologist who provides assessment and intervention services to people of all ages, based upon the scientific concepts of clinical neuropsychology. Training in clinical neuropsychology comprises a broad background in clinical psychology, as well as specialized training and experience in clinical neuropsychology. Training and preparation in clinical neuropsychology specifically entails: 1) completion of a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited university training program; 2) internship in a clinically relevant area of professional psychology, with 50% of training in neuropsychology; 3) the equivalent of two years of additional specialized training in clinical neuropsychology; and 4) state or provincial licensure to practice psychology and/or clinical neuropsychology independently.
Why is board certification important?
Similar to most medical specialties, attainment of the ABPP/ABCN Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychology (i.e., board certification) is the clearest evidence of competence as a clinical neuropsychologist. Many psychologist advertise that they perform neuropsychological assessments, but board certification assures that the requisite training and expertise has been obtained and the professional is qualified to perform the assessment and/or treatment.
What happens during a neuropsychological evaluation?
The neuropsychological evaluation consists of gathering relevant historical information, a neuropsychological examination, analysis and integration of data and findings, and feedback to the referral source. History is obtained through reviewing medical and other records, and through interview with the patient. With the patient’s permission, family members or other knowledgeable persons may be interviewed and asked to share their perceptions and perspective on important aspects of the history and symptoms. This is particularly important if an individual is experiencing memory decline as the patient may not be able to provide an accurate history. The examination typically consists of the administration of standardized tests using oral questions, paper and pencil, computers, the manipulation of materials such as blocks and puzzles, and other procedures. Depending on the scope and intent of the evaluation, testing may focus on a wide range of cognitive functions including attention, memory, language, academic skills, reasoning and problem solving, visuospatial ability, and sensory-motor skills. The neuropsychologist may also administer tests and questionnaires concerning psychological aspects of mood, emotional style, behavior, and personality. Some or all of the testing may be administered by a neuropsychology technician, under the direct supervision of the clinical neuropsychologist. The amount of direct contact time required for the patient will depend on the scope of the specific evaluation; the evaluation might be a brief screening requiring as little as an hour or a comprehensive assessment spread requiring 8 hours or more, spread out over several appointments. Geriatric evaluations typically last no more than 4 hours while IMEs may take 8 hours or longer.
Is a neuropsychological evaluation covered by medical insurance?
In most cases yes. Neuropsychological evaluations are typically medically necessary if an individual is experiencing a change in their cognitive or emotional status, or if they are recovering from an illness or injury impacting their central nervous system. Neuropsychological evaluations for the purposes of determining occupational disability or capacity are not typically covered by insurance; these assessments are paid in full by the individual(s) or agencies requesting the assessment.