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Clinical Neuropsychology Program

Clinical neuropsychology is a formally recognized specialty area under the umbrella of clinical psychology. Clinical neuropsychologists are individuals who, in addition to being trained in general clinical psychology, are also trained in theoretical, empirical, and practical aspects of brain-behavior relationships. Most clinical neuropsychologists work in medical centers, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practice, as well as medical schools or universities. Typical neuropsychologists spend at least some portion of their work week evaluating cognitive and emotional functioning of patients suffering from various types of brain dysfunction. Additionally, many clinical neuropsychologist also devote some portion of their time to patient treatment, such as conducting psychotherapy with brain-injured patients and their families, or developing cognitive rehabilitation programs. Finally, the majority of clinical neuropsychologists, whether employed primarily in clinical or academic settings, engage in research activities aimed at the advancement of our understanding of brain-behavior relationships, as well as the advancement of neuropsychological assessment techniques.

Program Overview

The APA-accredited1 Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at the University of Utah follows the principles of a clinical science2 model, which calls for vigorous training in the application of scientific principles to both the research and applied aspects of clinical psychology. We are committed to providing students with high-quality training in empirical research and in clinical work that is well-grounded in science. In order to accomplish these goals, the program draws upon the interests and versatility of the clinical faculty as well as the faculty in other areas of our highly collaborative department, in addition to many excellent training sites both on and off campus.

Students who thrive in our program tend to be those who have a substantial interest in research and intend for research to be a significant part of their future careers. Our program provides students with exposure to a broad range of evidence-based theoretical approaches. Students also have considerable flexibility in individualizing their course of study, and they may opt to cross areas within the department. Within this flexible framework, however, students are expected to select their electives, clinical settings, and research topics in such a way as to develop a “core professional identity.” In addition to the core training in adult psychopathology, students may choose to follow the curriculum guidelines of one of the areas of specialization – Clinical Child and Family, Clinical Health/Behavioral Medicine, or Clinical Neuropsychology – as well as of the interest group in Human Sexuality.

Clinical Science Model

As defined by the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science, the term “Clinical Science” refers to a training model that emphasizes the application of knowledge directed at the promotion of adaptive functioning in ways that are consistent with scientific evidence. In this regard, our program maintains a commitment to empirically-based approaches to investigating the validity of hypotheses regarding human functioning and interventions and to advancing knowledge by the use of the scientific method in whatever endeavors we are engaged in, whether research, teaching, or clinical work . As McFall (1991) has written: “Scientists are not necessarily academics, and persons working in applied settings are not necessarily nonscientists. Well-trained clinical scientists might function in any number of contexts, from the laboratory, to the clinic, to the administrator’s office. What is important is not the setting, but how the individual functions within the setting,” and thus the best graduate education in clinical psychology focuses on “training all students to think and function as scientists in every aspect and setting of their professional lives.”

Clinical Specialty Tracks

The Clinical Child and Family (CCF) Program

The Child Clinical and Family Program at the University of Utah emphasizes an integration of clinical and developmental theory and research. The general goals of the CCF program are to train students to develop competence and expertise in the following areas:

1. Theories underlying clinical research and practice with children, adolescents and families
2. Specific methodological issues relevant to conducting psychological research with children, adolescents, and families
3. General clinical skills (diagnostic skills, assessment skills, alliance building skills, intervention skills) necessary for working effectively with specific populations of children and adolescents
4. Interpersonal skills necessary for working with systems (family, school, community) relevant to the development of children and adolescents
5. Cultural diversity training relevant to (a) providing appropriate clinical services to and (b) conducting culturally sensitive clinical research with youth and their families
6. The unique professional and ethical issues involved on working with youth and families

Like the other clinical specialty programs, the CCF program emphasizes a cross-disciplinary approach, encouraging students to develop interests in other areas of psychology, including cognitive, social, developmental, and neuroscience. Furthermore, CCF students have the opportunity to receive clinical training in adult psychopathology, adult psychotherapy, neuropsychology, and health psychology.

The Clinical Health and Behavioral Medicine Program

The Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine Specialization is intended to train psychologists who are experts in theory, research, and the application of health psychology. Students learn basic psychological theory and research, and learn how to integrate this with current biomedical knowledge in order to work effectively in medical settings. Clinical students pursuing this specialization gain training and experience consulting with health care professionals, working as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team, and assessing and conducting psychological interventions with a variety of medical patients.

Clinical students who pursue this specialization complete all requirements of our APA-approved clinical training program, conduct research with health psychology faculty throughout their time in the program, and take a set of health psychology courses as part of their electives. Clinical students are required to take a Behavioral Medicine Practicum and to complete their pre-doctoral clinical internship in a setting that provides additional training in clinical health psychology.

The Clinical Neuropsychology Program

Clinical neuropsychology is a formally recognized specialty area under the umbrella of clinical psychology. Clinical neuropsychologists are individuals who, in addition to being trained in general clinical psychology, are also trained in theoretical, empirical, and practical aspects of brain-behavior relationships. Most clinical neuropsychologists work in medical centers, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practice, as well as medical schools or universities. Typical neuropsychologists spend at least some portion of their work week evaluating cognitive and emotional functioning of patients suffering from various types of brain dysfunction. Additionally, many clinical neuropsychologist also devote some portion of their time to patient treatment, such as conducting psychotherapy with brain-injured patients and their families, or developing cognitive rehabilitation programs. Finally, the majority of clinical neuropsychologists, whether employed primarily in clinical or academic settings, engage in research activities aimed at the advancement of our understanding of brain-behavior relationships, as well as the advancement of neuropsychological assessment techniques.