Clinical Psychology and Clinical Neuropsychology
The Department of Psychology employs both clinical psychologists and clinical neuropsychologists. Clinical psychology and clinical neuropsychology are two critical disciplines essential to the delivery of safe, contemporary, and sustainable health services.
Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychologists are trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and intervention of mental health conditions and psychological problems across the lifespan. Within the health environment, clinical psychologists work collaboratively with patients with acute or chronic medical conditions, disabilities, and psychiatric illnesses. Clinical psychology services include:
- Assessment, diagnosis, and non-pharmacological treatment of psychological issues (e.g., chronic pain, sleep problems, adjustment difficulties) that arise because of, or exacerbated by, acute/chronic medical and/or psychiatric illnesses.
- Management of psychological factors that impact engagement or compliance with medical/nursing/allied health treatment and therapy.
- Facilitating recommendations and referrals to community-based mental health services as required.
The Department of Psychology provides outpatient clinical psychology services to the:
The Department also provides a hospital-wide clinical psychology inpatient consultation-liaison service, and input to the Behaviour Evaluation and Review Team (BERT).
Clinical Neuropsychology
Clinical neuropsychologists provide assessment, management, and rehabilitation of cognitive, emotional, and behavioural issues associated with a range of brain conditions. These conditions may be neurodevelopmental (e.g. cerebral palsy), acquired (e.g. stroke, traumatic brain injury), degenerative (e.g. dementia), or psychiatric (e.g. schizophrenia, alcohol/substance use) in nature. Clinical neuropsychology services include:
- Comprehensive cognitive assessment to aid diagnosis and/or clarification of a client’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
- Pre and post epilepsy surgery assessments.
- Assessment of decision-making ability to assist with discharge planning.
- Education and recommendations for patients regarding their cognition and rehabilitation.
The Department provides a hospital-wide inpatient neuropsychology consultation-liaison service, input to BERT, as well as an outpatient neuropsychology service for the WA Adult Epilepsy Service.