Students enrolled in the Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program can choose an emphasis to focus on a specific area in clinical psychology. Students apply to an emphasis of choice during their first or second year of study. During their first year, students interested in pursuing an emphasis should become acquainted with admissions criteria for their emphasis of choice, meet with the emphasis coordinator during the first year in the program, and attend emphasis activities.
Clinical neuropsychology is recognized by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists, and is one of the fastest-growing sub-specialties within psychology.
Adler University’s doctoral neuropsychology emphasis is designed to satisfy current professional guidelines for training clinical neuropsychologists, and to provide doctoral students with the opportunity to develop competence and proficiency in clinical neuropsychology.
Completion of the Emphasis in Clinical Neuropsychology, within the doctoral program in Clinical Psychology, prepares graduates to complete advanced work, leading to careers in clinical neuropsychology and to board certification. Past students have found work in hospitals, University settings, clinical research and clinical practice among other opportunities.
After graduating with the Psy.D. and the Clinical Neuropsychology emphasis, a year of postdoctoral training is required for licensure as a psychologist in most states and provinces. Graduates are expected to continue training on a postdoctoral level and to acquire additional supervised clinical experience to increase both general and subspecialty neuropsychology competencies.
Students will need to submit a one-page statement of interest, transcripts of their graduate school performance, and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member, and then complete an interview with the emphasis coordinator.
Students who are accepted into the emphasis will then be permitted to take the second course in the sequence in spring term of their second year, Neuropsychology II: Neuropsychological Assessment (PSY 765). After acceptance into the emphasis, students must complete all remaining course requirements with a grade of B+ or better. Additionally, following the completion of the assessment and psychotherapy practicums and seminars, the student will be allowed to apply for an advanced practicum in neuropsychology and the associated advanced practicum seminar with the focus in clinical neuropsychology.
A total of 15 credits of courses are required in the specific clinical neuropsychology courses utilizing general elective credits. An additional 5 credits* overlap with regular Psy.D. core courses but may be in specific designated sections (PSY 724 and PSY 967-PSY 968) for neuropsychology emphasis students.
Taken during Year 2. The course objectives are to make the student aware of pertinent gross and microscopic human neuroanatomy, to build a foundational understanding of neurophysiology and the biology of the nerve, and to become familiar with a variety of clinical issues as they relate to neurophysiology.
Taken during Year 2. This course is the first in a three course sequence designed to familiarize students with the foundations of neuropsychological assessment. This course provides a detailed overview of neuropsychological assessment techniques in common usage.
Taken during Year 3. This course is a continuation of PSY 764 and is designed to be taken immediately after this prerequisite. This course builds on the material from PSY 764 and focuses on the neuropsychological assessment of neurocognitive disorders, including but not limited to, dementia, traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular accident, and psychological disorders.
Taken during Year 3. This course provides training in the neuropsychological assessment of children, with an emphasis on trauma and developmental disorders.
*Students select one course with special populations in neuropsychology (Pediatric or Geriatric)
Taken during Year 3. This course focuses on the development of knowledge and skills necessary to perform psychological assessments and neuropsychological screenings, with an emphasis on older adults.
*Students select one course with special populations in neuropsychology (Pediatric or Geriatric)
Taken during Year 3 or Year 4. This course offers a structured approach to case conceptualization and analysis in preparation for clinical practice and ultimately board certification. It covers advanced topics in neuropsychological assessment through the application of fact-finding exercises and didactic instruction.
Taken during Year 3 or Year 4.
This advanced seminar is taken concurrently with an advanced practicum experience. The seminar provides students with an opportunity to review clinical cases integrating theory, practice, and research, and discuss professional development and the supervision experience.
This advanced seminar is taken concurrently with an advanced practicum experience. The seminar provides students with an opportunity to review clinical cases integrating theory, practice, and research, and discuss professional development and the supervision experience.
Recognizing the urgency and relevancy of addressing the mental health challenges nonprofit leaders and their teams face, Adler University organized and hosted an educational panel discussion on Nov. 8 to promote self-care, well-being, and resiliency for employees.
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Danielle Austen, founder and CEO of fluent360, has been appointed as the newest member of the Adler University Board of Trustees.
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In celebration of International Education Week (IEW), Adler University is hosting several virtual events highlighting the University’s efforts and initiatives that advance a global exchange of ideas and experiences.
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