The philosophy of the Emphasis Area in Clinical Neuropsychology at Spalding University is to further advance understanding of brain-behavior relationships as they relate to neurological and neurocognitive underpinnings. To understand cognitive functioning, this emphasis area focuses on culturally minded assessment, diagnoses, and conceptualization of individuals across the lifespan. Additional foci on disease processes, behavioral neurology, and neuroscience promotes a well-rounded and foundational perspective of Neuropsychology. The philosophy of this emphasis area follows the principles set forth in the Houston Conference Guidelines (Houston Conference Guidelines).

Learn More About Neuropsychology

Mission

The mission of the Clinical Neuropsychology Emphasis Area of the PsyD Program at Spalding is to extend the program’s strong generalist training to include competencies essential to working with individuals with neurodevelopmental diagnoses, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative disease processes. Students in the Clinical Neuropsychology Emphasis Area, will receive a foundational knowledge base in brain-behavior relationships, functional neuroanatomy, neurological disorders, neuroimaging, neurochemistry, and best practices/evidence-based approaches. Through literature reviews and research, didactic trainings, and journal clubs, the emphasis aims to continue the advancement of the field of clinical neuropsychology.

Courses

• 750 Neuro EA 1: Introduction to Neuropsychology
• 751 Neuro EA 2: Neuropsychological Assessment
• 752 Neuro EA 3: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroanatomy
• 753 Neuro EA 4: Advanced Clinical Neuropsychology – Disease and Disorder

Practica and Internships

Students will be trained per the Houston Conference Guidelines, which promotes a sound foundation in neuropsychological assessment and then sub-specialty specific training. Practicum placements include, but are not limited to, local neuropsychology outpatient clinics, including the neuropsychology specialty clinic in our own Center for Behavioral Health, large hospital systems, rehabilitation facilities, private practices, and Veteran’s Affairs medical centers. This emphasis area also aims to develop students’ professional identity through case conferences, community didactic trainings, supervision, mentoring, and modeling of scholar-practitioner values and practices.

The Association of Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) website currently lists 90 internships throughout the U.S. that include a specialty track or major rotation in Clinical Neuropsychology. With a competitive curriculum, advanced clinical neuropsychology skills, and focused practicum experiences, students at Spalding will be well prepared to continue their training at the internship level, capable of delivering neuropsychological services to individuals across the lifespan (pediatric to geriatric). Furthermore, we aim to prepare students for post-doctoral fellowships, independent practice, and board certification as well.

Program Sheet
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology: Neuropsychology