The clinical side of neuropsychology overlaps with academic neuropsychology, which provides a scientific understanding of the relationship between brain and neuropsychological function.This in turn helps form the basis for assessment and rehabilitation of people with brain injury or other neurological disease.

Neuropsychologists work with people of all ages with neurological problems, which might include traumatic brain injury, stroke, toxic and metabolic disorders, tumours and neurodegenerative diseases.

The membership of the Society’s Division of Neuropsychology incorporates practitioners, researchers and those who work in both fields.Academic neuropsychologists may be employed as lecturers or researchers in university departments, but can be jointly appointed with clinical posts depending on their qualifications and experience.

Neuropsychologists require not only general clinical skills and knowledge of the broad range of mental health problems, but also a substantial degree of specialist knowledge in the neurosciences. Specialist skills are required in the assessment of neurological patients, and rehabilitation encompasses a broad range of specialist behavioural and cognitive interventions not only for the client, but also for the client’s family and carers.

Neuropsychologists are also to be commonly found in the management of rehabilitation facilities, and in individual case management. Leadership of multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams is frequently part of their clinical role.

Where?

Neuropsychologists most commonly work in:

• acute settings: working alongside neurosurgeons and neurologists and the allied disciplines, usually in a regional neurosciences centre.They are concerned with the early effects of trauma, neurosurgery and neurological disease.

• rehabilitation centres: providing post-acute assessment, training and support for people who have sustained brain injury, or who have other neurological problems.The neuropsychologist will play a central role in the multidisciplinary team which aims to maximise recovery, minimise disability, and prepare the client for return to the community or to a residential placement.

• community services: performing a similar role as above but support those who have returned to community living.

Experienced neuropsychologists also commonly act as expert witnesses for the Courts, and research is an important aspect of neuropsychological practice.

How?
Qualifications and training

Specialised training in neuropsychology is based on prior training in one of the other areas of applied psychology. Until the end of 2003, qualification requires eligibility for full membership of one of the Society’s other Divisions and at least two years’ full-time or equivalent practice in neuropsychology acceptable to the Division of Neuropsychology.After 31 December 2003, qualification is via the Division of Neuropsychology Practitioner full membership qualification.

A pre-requisite for registration will be eligibility for Full Membership of the Division of Clinical Psychology (or for those seeking to qualify in paediatric neuropsychology either the Division of Clinical Psychology or the Division of Educational and Child Psychology).

Graduates interested in entering neuropsychology are advised first to seek a professional qualification in clinical psychology (or educational psychology).

Candidates who register for the Membership Qualification will be required to complete a minimum of two years of formal supervised practice (normally while engaged in full-time employment) and submit case studies, research reports and case reports, research and supervision logs for formal assessment. In addition they will have to sit a number of professional examinations, although it is anticipated that many candidates will gain exemption by successfully completing an approved part-time postgraduate course granting exemption from the examinations. Full details are available from the Society’s office.

Pay, prospects and conditions

Neuropsychologists may be employed within the NHS, and also in the independent sector within both private and not-for-profit charitable organisations.There is a serious national shortage of neuropsychologists, most acutely in paediatric neuropsychology, and prospects for professional advancement are very good.

Pay is on the same scales as for clinical psychologists. However, many senior neuropsychologists substantially supplement their income by undertaking private medicolegal consultancy as expert witnesses in personal injury cases.