Neuropsychologists are Psychologists who specialize in the relationship between the brain and behavior. They focus on how brain structure and function affect thinking, emotion, personality, and everyday functioning.
Here’s the clean breakdown:
What neuropsychologists do
They assess, diagnose, and help treat conditions that affect the brain, such as:
- Brain injuries (TBI, concussion, stroke)
- Neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, autism)
- Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s)
- Epilepsy, tumors, infections
- Cognitive and emotional changes due to medical illness
- Effects of trauma on memory, attention, and executive function
Their core tool: assessment
Neuropsychologists are best known for neuropsychological testing, which evaluates:
- Memory
- Attention and concentration
- Executive functions (planning, inhibition, flexibility)
- Language
- Visuospatial skills
- Processing speed
- Emotional and personality functioning
These tests help answer questions like:
- Is this memory problem neurological or psychological?
- What brain systems are likely affected?
- How severe is the impairment?
- What kind of support or treatment will help most?
How they’re trained
A neuropsychologist typically has:
- A doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology
- Specialized training in brain–behavior relationships
- A neuropsychology focused internship and postdoctoral fellowship
- Clinical training in assessment, diagnosis, and rehabilitation
They are not medical doctors, but they work closely with:
- Neurologists
- Psychiatrists
- Neurosurgeons
- Rehabilitation teams
Where they work
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Rehabilitation clinics
- Memory and dementia clinics
- Universities and research centers
- Forensic and legal settings
- Private practice
How they differ from related roles
- Neuropsychologist vs neurologist:
Neurologists treat brain disease medically; neuropsychologists assess cognitive and behavioral impact. - Neuropsychologist vs psychiatrist:
Psychiatrists prescribe medication; neuropsychologists specialize in detailed cognitive and behavioral evaluation. - Neuropsychologist vs clinical psychologist:
Neuropsychologists focus much more on brain-based causes of behavior.
Big picture role
Neuropsychologists sit at the intersection of neuroscience and psychology, translating brain function into real-world understanding of:
- How a person thinks?
- Why they behave the way they do?
- What has changed?
- What can improve? Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 