What is Clinical Neuropsychology?

Clinical neuropsychology is an internationally recognised area of practice within professional psychology. Clinical neuropsychologists are registered psychologists with in-depth knowledge, skills and training in assessment, diagnosis, formulation, management, and treatment of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral consequences of conditions affecting the brain. These include neurological, medical, and psychiatric conditions, developmental disorders, and learning disorders. Clinical neuropsychologists are also skilled in providing cognitive rehabilitation, to target and reduce the impact of cognitive issues. 

More information on clinical neuropsychology. 

Where to Find a Clinical Neuropsychologist?

To locate a Clinical Neuropsychologist, use the APS online referral service "Find a Psychologist" at https://psychology.org.au/find-a-psychologist. Select the “Search By Area of Practice” tab, and select “Clinical Neuropsychology.” 

Alternatively, ask your general practitioner (GP), a specialist healthcare provider or enquire with a government department or private agency concerned with health, education, or social and community services to find a Clinical Neuropsychologist suitable for your needs. 

The Find a Psychologist™ platform is NOT an emergency service. It should not be used in an emergency or acute mental health circumstances. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call  Lifeline  on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Clinical neuropsychologists see clients in many areas, including:

• Hospitals (including neurology, brain injury, aged care departments and others)
• Children’s health services
• Mental health services
• Rehabilitation services (e.g., stroke and brain injury services)
• Alcohol and other drug services
• Sexual health services
• Universities, research and policy organisations
• Private practice

Qualifications and Registration

It is a legal requirement for all psychologists in Australia to be registered with the Psychologist Registration Board. 

All clinical neuropsychologists are registered psychologists with an area of practice endorsement (AoPE) in clinical neuropsychology. Clinical neuropsychologists have completed a minimum of four years full time of university training in psychology and typically at least two years of full-time postgraduate study in clinical neuropsychology and a one to two year registrar program.

More information about psychology registration.

More information about the area of practice endorsements (AoPE).

Competencies and skills of Clinical Neuropsychologists

Include:

• Knowledge of neurosciences, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neuropathology. 
• Knowledge of the theory and models of cognition, emotion and behaviour, and diagnostic features and neuropathology of conditions affecting the brain. 
• Knowledge of the cognitive effects of common medical diseases and psychiatric disorders. 
• Understanding of individual and cultural identity and diversity issues, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to inform culturally-safe clinical practice. 
• Understanding of ethical concepts, legal issues and policies to inform practice. 
• Applies up-to-date knowledge of cognitive assessment and skills in test interpretation.
• Maintains effective relationships with clients/patients, families, caregivers, colleagues, team members, trainees/students and communities. 
• Effective oral and written communication skills to disseminate findings and recommendations suited to the audience. 
• Uses evidence-based intervention techniques to address cognitive, emotional and behavioural consequences of conditions affecting the brain, with consideration of both the quality of the evidence and whether there is evidence for meaningful impact on everyday activities, participation in life roles, and quality of life in the relevant clinical population.
• Engages in reflective practice, self-assessment and self care.

Adapted from Wong et al., 2023. For a full list of competencies, please refer to the linked article.

How to Become a Clinical Neuropsychologist

Clinical Neuropsychologists have completed a minimum of six years full-time university training. This includes undergraduate study in a recognised (i.e. accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council) psychology training program, postgraduate study in a recognised (i.e. accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council) clinical neuropsychology training program and further supervised experience in clinical neuropsychology (as per AHPRA requirements).

Clinical Neuropsychologists are legally required to be registered with the AHPRA Psychology Board of Australia and must undertake continuing professional development to maintain registration. 

To find a list of accredited psychology programs of study in Australia, please visit https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Accreditation/Approved-Programs-of-Study.aspx. If you have an enquiry about your registration or about becoming a registered psychologist in Australia, contact AHPRA using the online enquiry form at https://www.ahpra.gov.au/About-Ahpra/Contact-Us/Make-an-Enquiry.aspx or by calling 1300 419 495.

APS College of Clinical Neuropsychologists

Our 1000+ members are Clinical Neuropsychologists in all stages of their careers and from all parts of Australia. 

The grade of Member of the APS College of Clinical Neuropsychologists is applicable to psychologists who have completed expert training and supervised practice in clinical neuropsychology to obtain area of practice endorsement. The CCN welcomes new members at all career stages including student members. Click here to join. 

Objectives of the CCN

The CCN operates at a national level, and also within each state. The CCN aims to serve the interests of members in the following ways:

• Advance the scientific study and professional practice of clinical neuropsychology. 
• Provide a network of peers for neuropsychologists and students across the country. 
• Offer a wide range of professional development opportunities including an annual conference.
• Support the professional needs of student, registrar and early career neuropsychologists.
• Work collaboratively with other organisations to promote the interest of neuropsychologists in Australia.

More information on the Committee Information and State Section pages.

Members are welcomed and encouraged to join and provide feedback to the College. 

Benefits of Membership

• Get to know other members at the APS CCN college, professional development events and conferences. 
• Contribute to the development and direction of Clinical Neuropsychology as well as help advocate for clinical neuropsychology including within the APS, in the healthcare landscape and with the public. 
• Access to continuing professional development opportunities, including neuropsychology-specific workshops. 
• Discounted neuropsychology professional development events including via our joint events with international neuropsychological professional organisations. 
• Discounted registration to the neuropsychology conference organised by the APS CCN college.