What is the difference between psychology and neuropsychology

There are a number of similarities and a few important differences between psychologists and neuropsychologists:. Consider these similarities between the two professions:. While psychology and neuropsychology do share some similarities, it's important to understand their key differences:. If you're interested in the field of psychology, you have a number of specialization options to consider.

When choosing specifically between working as a psychologist or a neuropsychologist, use these tips to help you decide which career is best for you:.

Most neuropsychologists must complete additional education and training to become neuropsychologists rather than psychologists. That additional schooling means more expense and more time spent in the classroom before beginning your career, but it does provide a deeper and more specialized skill set that could prove competitive when looking for a job.

Both psychologists and neuropsychologists are doctors who have extensive knowledge and training in their area of specialization. They're traditionally well paid for their skills, knowledge and ability. Psychologists traditionally have a broader range of options when it comes to their workplace options. Since they can work in a clinical or non-clinical setting, some choose to fully immerse themselves in research, either for an institution like the government or a college or for a private business, while others choose to treat patients in private practice.

Neuropsychologists are a bit more limited because of their specialization. Most treat patients with neurological disorders, illnesses or injuries.

While both specialties are growing overall, the slightly faster growth for traditional psychologists may be due to the range of options they have in terms of how to use their skills and where they can work. Find jobs. Company reviews. It can also provide tools to help manage behavioral disorders such as hyperactivity. On the prevention side, clinical psychology teaches patients the following:.

The goal is for the patient to get to know themselves and be able to function on a social and cognitive level. As a result, they can improve their quality of life. The difference between clinical psychology and neuropsychology is their function in the clinical sphere. The latter deals with the cognitive and emotional evaluation related to brain alterations.

It also develops processes to rehabilitate higher-order functions so that the affected individual can develop autonomy and preserve their quality of life. Neuropsychologists also work with the cognitive aspects of mental illness, such as schizophrenia or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Today, one field of research in clinical psychology focuses on getting a deeper understanding of psychopathological disorders. Clinical psychology researchers are also trying to get a deeper understanding of individual personal development. Consequently, their studies analyze factors that might predispose someone to develop an emotional disorder.

Another research focus is on improving psychotherapy methods. The goal is to find tools that allow for better diagnosis and treatment of emotional disorders. Researchers hope to develop more precise methods that can adapt to the specifics of each disorder. Or you can learn more about IEP's. With a program lasting weeks, ViewPoint Center provides superior assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and stabilization for teens struggling with mental and behavioral issues such as suicidal ideation, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders.

In a safe, personalized environment, ViewPoint helps teens focus on the healing process. Back to the Blog Autism. Boarding Schools. Eating Disorders. Gap Year Career Counseling. Interventions Teen Transport. Parent Support. Residential Treatment.

Teen Transport. Psychology is a wide field, and it can be difficult to keep track of the different roles and specialties professionals play in it. Image via Pixabay by cvpericias. A clinical psychologist focuses on diagnosing and treating people with mental health conditions, but a large part of their work is simply talking to people about their emotions and thoughts in order to help them lead more fulfilling lives.

Psychologists are similar to psychiatrists, but there are many differences between the two. A major portion of the work psychologists perform is talk therapy. Similarly to a psychiatrist, they will sit down with their clients and talk to them about the particular emotional and behavioral problems the patient faces. If, after interviews and tests, the clinical psychologist finds that there is a presence of mental illness, they may work with the patient and other professionals to develop a treatment plan for that patient.

Regardless of the possibility of mental illness, clinical psychologists work with patients to help them understand themselves and improve factors such as social skills, controlling emotions, and coping strategies.