Neuropsychology v.s. Psychology this heading is not in the table of contents (TOC)

The difference between a neuropsychologist, a psychologist and a psychotherapist

The neuropsychologist

Neuropsychologists are specialized psychologists qualified to make a neuropsychological diagnosis. They must be recognized by the Order of Psychologists of Quebec and have a certificate of training in the evaluation of neuropsychological disorders. The clinical neuropsychologist specializes in understanding the behavioural disorders associated with deficits in cognitive functions. It helps to understand atypical or deficient behaviours in an individual. Neuropsychologists can make the differential diagnosis between a disorder, a difficulty or a weakness. They can also investigate whether it is a problem of a strictly neurological nature, or a secondary disorder linked, for example, to a psychological disorder.

The psychologist

Psychologists are experts in behaviour, emotions and mental health who can make a psychological diagnosis. They can assess the psychological functioning and mental health of an individual, determine interventions or treatments that could help the person, and proceed to the interventions or treatments that they are qualified to perform, such as psychotherapy. The psychological diagnosis aims to identify the problem in order to determine the best direction of intervention or treatment. The psychologist can make the diagnoses of anxiety disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder, depression, and many other mental health disorders. (1) Psychologists work with people who are experiencing distress or psychological difficulties. (2)

While psychologists can comment on their assessment of mental disorders, including attentional difficulties, for example, they cannot assess higher mental functions, nor conclude that one or more of them is dysfunctional. . (3) Thus, in order to have a profile of general cognitive functioning when the difficulties identified are not improved by initial interventions, a neuropsychological assessment may be more relevant.

The psychotherapist this heading is not linked to TOC

Psychotherapists are health professionals holding a license to practice recognized by the Order of Psychologists of Quebec. They can offer individual, couple or group psychotherapy treatments. They cannot make a diagnosis. (4) This may be a psychologist, guidance counselor, nurse or doctor, for example.

References

1. Association of psychotherapists of Quebec. Frequently Asked Questions. [Online] 2020. [Citation: April 7, 2020.]

2. Order of psychologists of Quebec. What is a psychologist? [Online] 2020 (a). [Citation: April 6, 2020.] https://www.ordrepsy.qc.ca/qu-est-ce-qu-un-psychologue

3. The assessment of mental disorders and the assessment of neuropsychological disorders: details on the meaning and scope of each of these activities. Assessment of neuropsychological disorders. [Online] April 26, 2013. [Citation: April 7, 2020.]

4. Psychotherapists. Index santé.ca The health directory of Quebec. [Online] 2020. [Citation: April 7, 2020.]