Information

What is a neuropsychologist?

A neuropsychologist is a psychologist who specializes in studying brain behavior relationships. Neuropsychologists have extensive training in the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system and specialize in evaluating and treating people who are thought to have something wrong with the way in which their nervous system is functioning.

Neuropsychologists study brain behavior relationships under very specific circumstances which are both controlled and standardized. As a general rule, this means using tests which have been validated and which have been shown to have acceptable levels of sensitivity and specificity. This means the test can measure the thing it is trying to measure even when the thing it is trying to measure is only present in small amounts and it also means the test can distinguish the thing it is trying to measure from other things.

How do I choose a psychologist/neuropsychologist?

Many psychologists administer tests and perform evaluations. One way to judge the expertise of a psychologist in neuropsychology is to learn about the educational background and experience of the psychologist you are considering. To assure that you are being served by a psychologist who is competent to practice neuropsychology, it is recommended that you see a provider who holds the specialy designation as a clinical neuropsycholigst through the state of Louisana