A novel model for psychological assessment services and postgraduate clinical psychology and neuropsychology training
The Turner Paediatric Assessment Clinic
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21294073 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Sally Richmond (0000-0003-1039-1044, Monash University), Katherine Lawrence (0000-0002-5538-377X, Murdoch Children's Research Institute), Michael Takagi (0000-0003-2903-7598, Monash University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-6 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-20 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Australian Psychologist (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0005-0067 • E-ISSN: 1742-9544 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/00050067.2026.2659032 |
| OpenAlex | W7161771527 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 16 |
We outline a rationale for a novel model of paediatric psychological assessment and postgraduate clinical psychology and neuropsychology training to improve psychological assessment services to the community. This is especially critical for children where untreated mental disorders can have a profound impact on a child’s development. Currently, Australian postgraduate psychology training is predominantly discipline specific, for example clinical psychology and neuropsychology specialisations, however once in the workforce, there is increasing overlap in the competencies required. Children experiencing significant mental health challenges, sometimes as the result of some form of developmental difficulty or adversity, need comprehensive psychological assessments to ensure that appropriate supports are put in place to optimise their development. This requires expertise from both clinical psychology and neuropsychology disciplines, yet this rarely occurs. Our model aims to improve the development of competencies through the provision of paediatric placement training for clinical psychology and neuropsychology trainees. Board approved supervisors in both disciplines, support trainees to deliver comprehensive and family-focussed neurodevelopmental, cognitive, and mental health assessments of school-aged children experiencing complex challenges. Our model is presented with preliminary evaluation plans to assess: impact on competency development for postgraduate psychology trainees; and impact for clients and families of the service
Clinical neuropsychology · Neuropsychological assessment · Neuropsychological testing · Neuropsychology · Pediatric psychology · Psychological research · Psychological Testing · Self-assessment · Counseling Practices and Supervision · Psychological Testing and Assessment · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
Economics and mental health
The association between poor reading and internalising problems
Tracking trainee development
The role of psychologists in managing mental health comorbidities in adults with neurological disorders
Psychology graduate outcomes
Delivery of Psychological Interventions by Clinical Neuropsychologists
Referrers' Perceived Utility and Outcomes of Clinical Neuropsychological Assessment in an Adolescent and Young Adult Public Mental Health Service
| Highly cited | No |
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