Neuropsychologist vs Psychologist

What is the difference between a psychologist, a neuropsychologist and a psychotherapist? Which one should you see based on your situation?

The neuropsychologist

Neuropsychologists are specialized psychologists qualified to make a neuropsychological diagnosis. They must be recognized by the Order of Psychologists of Quebec and hold a specific training certificate for the assessment of neuropsychological disorders. The clinical neuropsychologist specializes in understanding the behavioural disorders associated with deficits in cognitive functions and helps understand atypical or deficient behaviours in an individual. Neuropsychologists can make a differential diagnosis between a disorder, a difficulty or a weakness. They can also determine whether a problem is 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 are dysfunctional. (3) Thus, in order to obtain 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

Psychotherapists are health professionals holding a license to practice recognized by the Order of Psychologists of Quebec, but they are not necessarily psychologists. They may be psychologists, guidance counselors, nurses or doctors, for example. They can offer individual, couple or group psychotherapy treatments. They cannot make a diagnosis. (4)

Psychologist or neuropsychologist: which one should you see?

A psychologist is the right choice when you are experiencing psychological distress, anxiety, depression or relationship difficulties, and you are looking for therapy or support. Psychologists can diagnose mental health disorders and offer psychotherapy.

A neuropsychologist is more appropriate when you or a loved one have cognitive difficulties: memory, concentration or executive function problems, learning difficulties, or following ADHD, a brain injury or a neurological disease. A neuropsychological assessment provides a precise profile of cognitive functioning and a neuropsychological diagnosis.

• Memory, attention or concentration difficulties that persist despite interventions
• Suspected ADHD, learning disability or autism spectrum disorder
• Following a brain injury, stroke or neurodegenerative disease
• Need for a detailed cognitive profile to guide treatment or academic planning

Neuropsychologist, neurologist and psychiatrist: what is the difference?

A neurologist is a medical specialist who treats diseases of the nervous system (epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, stroke) and can prescribe medication. A psychiatrist is a medical specialist in mental health disorders who can also prescribe. A neuropsychologist, on the other hand, is a specialized psychologist who finely assesses cognitive functioning using standardized tests. They do not prescribe medication, but their recommendations guide the treating physician in pharmacological intervention.

What is the training of a neuropsychologist?

Neuropsychologists hold a doctorate in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) as well as specialized training in neuropsychology. They must be members of the Order of Psychologists of Quebec and hold a training certificate in the assessment of neuropsychological disorders in order to make neuropsychological diagnoses.

Is a neuropsychological assessment covered by RAMQ or private insurance?

In Quebec, private neuropsychological assessments are generally not covered by RAMQ. However, most private insurance plans reimburse psychology services, including neuropsychological assessments. Check the details of your insurance policy.

Frequently asked questions