Offered in: Chicago

The Concentration in Clinical Neuropsychology provides students enrolled the PsyD in Clinical Psychology program with an opportunity to gain specialized expertise in clinical neuropsychology while still completing all requirements of the generalist program. Upon graduation, they will have an advanced understanding of clinical neuropsychology practice and assessment standards, consistent with guidelines that have been developed for training in clinical neuropsychology in the psychology field. Admittance to the concentration is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and there are a limited number of spots available each year. Students in the PsyD program are not guaranteed a spot in the concentration.

Students' knowledge in their relevant course work will be complemented by the skills they refine during practicum or internship fieldwork. Thus, concentration recipients gain direct experience providing neuropsychological testing, interpreting neuropsychological testing results, writing neuropsychological reports, and communicating results to clients and families. Further, concentration recipients gain foundational knowledge in neuroanatomy, neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, and professional issues including ethics and consideration of diversity and inclusion as it relates to neuropsychological assessment and feedback.  This knowledge in clinical neuropsychology may be used to support eventual board-certification in clinical neuropsychology at the post-graduate level.

This concentration includes two courses that are already required for all PsyD students and two specific neuropsychology courses that are offered as electives for generalist students.  Additionally, students will complete two neuropsychology-focused practica. During their diagnostic assessment year, students will need to complete a practicum that predominantly focuses on conducting neuropsychological assessment. During their advanced therapy year, students will need to complete a practicum experience that integrates neuropsychological assessment as part of the total clinical training experiences (keep in mind, this will still be a primarily therapy skills practicum, but with a neuro-emphasis). This means that all students within the concentration must complete TWO separate training experiences at designated neuropsychological training sites. The program director and clinical training director will determine whether the students’ experiences meet the clinical training requirement for the concentration.

All courses must be successfully completed with a grade of B- or better or the student will be required to retake the course. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 in all of their combined coursework described above to receive the concentration.