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THE HOUSTON CONFERENCE ON
SPECIALTY EDUCATION AND TRAINING
IN CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
POLICY STATEMENT
II. Introduction
The following document is a description of integrated education and
training in the specialty of clinical neuropsychology. It is
predicated on the view that the training of the specialist in clinical
neuropsychology must be scientist-practitioner based, and may lead to a
combined, primarily practice, or primarily academic career.
The scientist-practitioner model (Belar & Perry, 1992) as applied
to clinical neuropsychology envisions that all aspects of general neuropsychology
and professional education and training should be integrated; this is the
“horizontal” dimension of education and training. Integration should begin
with doctoral education and should continue through internship and residency
education and training; this is the “vertical” dimension of education and
training.
This document presents a model of integrated education and training
in the specialty of clinical neuropsychology that is both
programmatic and competency-based (see Section XV below). This model
defines exit criteria and provides tracks and means for obtaining these
criteria across all levels of education and training. Exit criteria for
the completion of specialty training are met by the end of the residency
program. The programmatic level at which these criteria are achieved may
vary but not the content.
III. Who is a Clinical Neuropsychologist?
A clinical neuropsychologist is a professional psychologist trained
in the science of brain-behavior relationships. The clinical
neuropsychologist specializes in the application of assessment and
intervention principles based on the scientific study of human
behavior across the life span as it relates to normal and abnormal
functioning of the central nervous system.
IV. Who Should Have Education and Training in the Specialty of Clinical
Neuropsychology?
A. Persons who engage in the specialty practice of clinical neuropsychology
or supervise the specialty practice of clinical
neuropsychology.
B. Persons who call themselves “clinical neuropsychologists” or otherwise
designate themselves as engaging in the specialty
practice of clinical neuropsychology.
C. Psychologists who engage in educating or supervising trainees in
the specialty practice of clinical neuropsychology.
V. Professional and Scientific Activity
The clinical neuropsychologist?s professional activities are included
within the seven core domains delineated in the Petition for the Recognition
of a Specialty in Professional Psychology submitted by Division 40 of the
APA to the Commission for the Recognition of Specialties and Proficiencies
in Professional Psychology (CRSPPP). These core domains are: assessment,
intervention, consultation, supervision, research and inquiry, consumer
protection, and professional development. The scientific activities of
the specialist in clinical neuropsychology can vary widely. The specialist
whose professional activities involve diverse cultural, ethnic, and linguistic
populations has the knowledge and skills to perform those activities competently
and ethically. The essential knowledge and skill competencies for these
activities are outlined below.
VI. Knowledge Base
Clinical neuropsychologists possess the following knowledge. This core
knowledge may be acquired through multiple pathways, not limited to courses,
and may come through other documentable didactic methods.
A. Generic Psychology Core
1. Statistics and methodology
2. Learning, cognition and perception
3. Social psychology and personality
4. Biological basis of behavior
5. Life span development
6. History
7. Cultural and individual differences and diversity
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