GPE Didactic Training Spotlight: Neuropsychological Assessment

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On October 28, 2024, Dr. Chris Bauer conducted a one-hour didactic training at Alliant International University’s Fresno campus, focused on clinical neuropsychology and neuropsychological evaluation. Dr. Bauer, a board-certified neuropsychologist with over 20 years of experience, has worked in a variety of settings, including the Fresno VA and UCSF-Fresno. He currently sees patients aged 18 and older.

First- and second-year graduate students from the Clinical Psychology PsyD program attended the training, with many expressing a strong interest in neuropsychology. For some, this session marked their first exposure to the field beyond brief undergraduate introductions.

Dr. Bauer began by introducing clinical neuropsychology and emphasizing the relationship between brain function and behavior. He outlined key aspects of the field to help students understand what a clinical neuropsychologist may encounter in day-to-day practice. A typical day might include diagnosing patients, conducting neuropsychological evaluations, writing reports, and supporting rehabilitation efforts.

He also highlighted features that distinguish neuropsychological evaluations from standard psychological assessments, particularly their narrower focus on brain function. These evaluations commonly assess areas such as problem-solving, attention, memory, and language. Their purposes vary, including determining the extent of impairment following brain injury, assessing readiness to return to work, identifying necessary workplace accommodations, and evaluating independent living capacity.

Students found the training informative and valuable in illuminating potential career pathways. Many cited Dr. Bauer’s case examples and the integration of theory into real-world practice as especially engaging.

Overall, students described the training as enriching and relevant to their educational and professional development. Didactic sessions like Dr. Bauer’s offer meaningful exposure to subfields within clinical psychology and inspire further exploration. In fact, many students expressed interest in future GPE trainings focused on forensics, trauma, and assessment. The ongoing goal of GPE training is to equip students with knowledge and skills essential to integrated behavioral health.