Why is the origin of the word, neuropsychologist?
WHAT IS A NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST?
A neuropsychologist is a professional psychologist
that studies and practices neuropsychology. Neuropsychology is the study of the relationship between the central nervous system (brain and spine) and behavior, from birth to old age. Psychology is the study and profession concerning behavior and the related functions and processes of both the mind and body, in human and non-human animals.
WHAT DO NEUROPSYCHOLOGISTS DO?
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Neuropsychologists have many different types of jobs and not every neuropsychologist does the same thing. Many neuropsychologists administer psychological tests and perform assessments to diagnose specific disorders of the brain. These brain disorders most often result in problems with thinking, emotions, and/or behavior. Neuropsychologists study ways to measure recovery from brain damage as well as strategies to rehabilitate (make better) people with brain damage and improve their care.
Neuropsychologists also provide psychotherapy (a psychological treatment through talking) to patients with brain damage and try to understand ways in which a patient's environment (for example, family) improve or worsen a brain damaged patient's overall condition. Although neuropsychologists also study the functioning of the spine, most neuropsychologists focus on the functioning of the brain.
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Neuropsychologists also teach courses in colleges and universities about neuropsychology, intelligence testing, personality testing, and/or other topics. Many neuropsychologists conduct research to better understand the functioning of the brain. They usually do this by studying brain damaged patients and comparing them to patients who have not suffered brain damage.
Neuropsychologists that work in the court system are known as forensic (pertaining to the law) neuropsychologists. Many neuropsychologists choose to work in the courts to use their knowledge to help in forensic (legal) issues. For example, a neuropsychologist may testify that a patient's performance on a series of tests shows that he/she suffered a brain injury that resulted in significant deficits in thinking abilities after being hit by a car. The patient may be suing the person who hit him/her with the car for a large amount of money. Thus, the findings of a neuropsychologist are very important in such a situation.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST?
First and foremeost, a neuropsychologist should have a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from an accredited university or college. The neuropsychologist must have completed coursework in neuropsychology and other neurosciences such as neuroanatomy (the study of the structure of the brain and spinal cord) and neuropathology (the study of disorders of the brain and spinal cord). It is highly recommended that aspiring neuropsychologists attend a graduate school program that complies with the guidelines for neuropsychological training set forth by Division 40 (Neuropsychology) of the American Psychological Association.
It is also recommended that aspiring neuropsychologists do an internship (one year of supervised training at the end of graduate school) at a program that meets the guidelines set forth by Division 40 of the American Psychological Association and the International Neuropsychological Society. To become a neuropsychologist, a psychologist should have at least two years of supervised experience providing neuropsychological services to patients in a clinical setting. Neuropsychologists also need to be licensed psychologists in the state or province that they practice in.
After receiving a doctoral degree, it is recommended that aspiring neuropsychologists do addition training at a program that has been approved by the Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology. To assure that you are being served by a neuropsychologist who is competent to practice neuropsychology, it is recommended that you see a board-certified neuropsychologist (see question below).
WHAT IS A BOARD CERTIFIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST?
Any neuropsychologist can apply to the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology and/or the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology to become board certified. The neuropsychologist that is board certified has been agreed upon by a board (group) of peers (other neuropsychologists) to meet the rigorous standards necessary to practice neuropsychology, and has achieved the highest level of education possible in this field. Pediatric neuropsychologists can be board certified by the above boards but some are board certified through the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology.
WHAT SHOULD I BE CAREFUL OF WHEN CHOOSING A NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST?
It is important to keep in mind that there are many psychologists who have no formal training in neuropsychology who call themselves neuropsychologists. One way to find out if this is so is to research the educational background of neuropsychologists in your area. To assure that you are being served by a neuropsychologist who is competent to practice neuropsychology, it is recommended that you see a board-certified neuropsychologist (see question above).
HOW CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NEUROPSYCHOLOGISTS AND NEUROPSYCHOLOGY?
To find out more information about neuropsychologists and neuropsychology, check out the homepages of the National Academy of Neuropsychology and Neuropsycholgy Central.
WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE WORD NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST?
Neuropsychologist comes from the Greek word "neuron" meaning "nerve," the Greek word "psyche" meaning "mind," and the Greek word "logos" meaning "the study of." Put the words together and you have "the study of (the) mind (and) nerves."
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