Clinical Psychologist vs. Neuropsychologist: What's The Difference?
What is a clinical psychologist?
The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) defines clinical psychology as:
“an integration of science, theory and clinical knowledge for the purpose of understanding, preventing, and relieving psychologically-based distress or dysfunction and to promote subjective well-being and personal development. Central to its practice are psychological assessment and psychotherapy, although Clinical Psychologists also engage in research, teaching, consultation, forensic testimony, and program development and administration. A Psychologist studies how we think, feel and behave from a scientific viewpoint and applies this knowledge to help people understand, explain and change their behaviour”.
“Psychologists engage in research, practice and teaching across a wide range of topics having to do with how people think, feel and behave. Their work can involve individuals, groups, families and as well as larger organizations in government and industry”.
To practice, a clinical psychologist, like any reputable health profession, must be licensed. Licensure to practice is granted by regulatory bodies in each Canadian jurisdiction. In Quebec it is through the Order of Psychologists of Quebec (OPQ).
Important: In Quebec, as of 2006, the OPQ requires that a clinical psychologist has a doctorate (PhD) in psychology. This is a good step and will help assure that your psychologist has had rigorous educational and clinical training. In addition, according to the OPQ, the licensed psychologist is required to:
- Practice according to Professional Code
- Practice according to ethical standards for psychologists in Quebec
- “Develop, perfect and maintain their knowledge and skills in the field in which they carry on their professional activities.“
What is a neuropsychologist?
Neuropsychology is a sub-specialty of clinical psychology and involves the study of the relationship between the brain and behaviour. The clinical neuropsychologist studies and practices neuropsychology.
Clinical neuropsychologists do comprehensive assessments that invovle administering and interpreting a variety of specialized paper-and-pencil or computerized tests to help diagnose disorders that can cause problems with thinking, emotions, or behaviour at home, work or school.
Some neuropsychologists also offer psychotherapy to patients with brain damage or neurodevelopmental conditions to help them adjust to and cope with their condition.
Other neuropsychologists do research in universities or hospitals that often involves studying on the functioning of the brain by studying brain-damaged patients or understanding how the brain works. In some cases, they may use neuro-imaging (e.g. fMRI, PET) or other brain measurement techniques (e.g. EEG) in their research .
Many neuropsychologists also teach courses in colleges and universities about neuropsychology, intelligence testing, learning and memory, and neuroscience for example.
Others are involved in medical-legal cases (e.g. brain injury, mental capacity assessment, adoption) and conduct assessments or serve as expert witnesses in court.
To practice as a neuropsychologist in Canada, most provinces require that the licensed clinical psychologist demonstrate specific educational requirements and clinical training in neuropsychology. In Quebec, to practice clinical neuropsychology, a license in psychology is required with a Certificate in Neuropsychological Assessment.