Network of Professionals in Neuropsychology and Psychology
Belleisle Clinics in Gatineau and Ottawa
Belleisle Clinics facilitates access to services tailored to client needs, including psychoeducational, neuropsychological, and psychological assessments by qualified registered professionals, for patients and families in the Ottawa and Gatineau region. We support access to multilingual services delivered in an environment that values quality, integrity, and a personalized approach.
Services in Ottawa and Gatineau
Learn more about the different services we offer in our Ottawa psychology clinic
Neuropsychological Assessments
What is a Neuropsychologist?
A clinical neuropsychologist is a professional within the field of psychology with specific expertise in the science of brain-behaviour relationships. Clinical neuropsychologists apply this knowledge to the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and/or rehabilitation of patients with known or suspected central nervous system dysfunction.
In Ontario, a clinical neuropsychologist typically requires (at minimum):
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A doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited university training program
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A completed internship (or its equivalent) in a clinically relevant area of psychology
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The equivalent of two full-time years of experience and specialized training in the study and practice of clinical neuropsychology and related neurosciences.
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A provincial license to practice clinical neuropsychology independently
The specialty of clinical neuropsychology is recognized by the Canadian Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association. Clinical neuropsychologists are seen as independent practitioners (healthcare providers) of clinical neuropsychology and psychology. At Belleisle Clinic in Ottawa, all our neuropsychologists are registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario!
What Conditions do Neuropsychologists Evaluate?
A clinical neuropsychologist uses psychological, neurological, cognitive, behavioral, and physiological principles, techniques, and tests to evaluate patients’ neurocognitive, behavioral, and emotional strengths and weaknesses and their relationship to normal and abnormal central nervous system functioning. Clinical neuropsychologists use this information and data provided by other medical/healthcare providers to identify and diagnose neuropsychological disorders, and plan and implement intervention strategies.
A neuropsychological evaluation is ideal when we want to identify not only what is impaired, but also why there are impairments. By considering both neurological and emotional/behavioural factors, neuropsychologists can diagnose conditions such as:
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Attention and/or hyperactivity difficulties
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Specific Learning Disabilities - Persistent challenges learning new skills and/or information
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Social communication difficulties, restricted and/or repetitive behaviours and interests
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - Typically caused by a concussion, but other causes exist may include memory problems, mood swings, and other symptoms
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Any other neurological condition (e.g., Tourette syndrome, epilepsy, etc.)
In addition to assessing and diagnosing the above difficulties, neuropsychologists can also indicate whether an individual’s intellectual functioning indicates high potential or giftedness.