A psychologist assesses and treats thoughts, emotions and behaviour. A clinical neuropsychologist is a psychologist with an area of practice endorsement in clinical neuropsychology, focused on how brain conditions affect thinking, mood and behaviour. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose and prescribe medication, and a neurologist is a medical specialist in diseases of the brain and nervous system. For memory, attention or learning concerns, start with your GP and consider a neuropsychological or psychological assessment.
At a glance: who does what?
| Professional | Training | What they do | Prescribe? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist (registered) | Minimum 6 years of training and supervised practice | Psychological assessment and evidence-based therapy | No |
| Clinical psychologist | Psychologist + postgraduate degree + endorsement in clinical psychology | Assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions | No |
| Clinical neuropsychologist | Psychologist + postgraduate degree + endorsement in clinical neuropsychology | Assessment of brain–behaviour relationships; rehabilitation | No |
| Registrar (e.g. Clinical Neuropsychology Registrar) | Psychologist + relevant postgraduate degree, completing supervised practice toward endorsement | Practises in the area under supervision | No |
| Psychiatrist | Medical degree + specialist psychiatry training | Diagnosis, medication and treatment of mental illness | Yes |
| Neurologist | Medical degree + specialist neurology training | Diagnosis and medical treatment of brain and nerve conditions | Yes |
| Geriatrician / paediatrician | Medical degree + specialist training | Medical assessment and care for older adults / children | Yes |
Why the titles matter
In Australia, “psychologist” is a protected title, and the titles linked to the Psychology Board’s areas of practice endorsement — such as “clinical psychologist” and “clinical neuropsychologist” — can only be used by psychologists who hold that endorsement. Psychologists enrolled in a Board registrar program use titles such as “Clinical Neuropsychology Registrar” or “Clinical Psychology Registrar” while they complete their supervised practice.
At Adelaide Hills Neuropsychology, our psychologists are registrars: Cameron Wilden is a Clinical Neuropsychology Registrar and Clinical Psychology Registrar, and Andrew Franze is a Clinical Psychology Registrar. They practise under the supervision of endorsed psychologists and do not yet hold an area of practice endorsement.
What is neuropsychology?
Neuropsychology is the study of how the brain supports thinking, emotion and behaviour. A neuropsychological assessment measures skills such as memory, attention, processing speed, language, visual-spatial ability and executive function using standardised tests. Unlike an MRI or CT scan, which shows the brain’s structure, it shows how well the brain is functioning — and what that means in everyday life.
Who should you see for…
Memory or thinking changes
Start with your GP to check for treatable causes and arrange any medical tests. A memory and dementia assessment can then clarify whether changes reflect normal ageing, mild cognitive impairment or dementia. A geriatrician or neurologist may also be involved.
Attention, focus or hyperactivity
A psychologist can provide a comprehensive ADHD assessment. If medication is being considered, a GP (in SA, a specially trained GP), paediatrician or psychiatrist prescribes.
Reading, writing or maths difficulties
A psychologist with educational expertise can complete a psychoeducational assessment for dyslexia and other specific learning disorders.
After a stroke, brain injury or neurological illness
A neuropsychological assessment clarifies the impact on thinking and daily life and guides rehabilitation, alongside your medical team.
Anxiety, low mood or adjustment
A psychologist provides evidence-based therapy. A psychiatrist may be involved if medication or more intensive treatment is needed.
Not sure where to start?
- Talk to your GP — they can coordinate referrals and Medicare plans
- Book a Clinical Intake Consultation for a clinician’s view on what assessment or treatment fits
- Send us an enquiry — we’ll point you in the right direction, even if that’s another service
Frequently asked questions
Is a neuropsychologist a doctor?
Not a medical doctor. Clinical neuropsychologists are psychologists with extensive postgraduate training in brain–behaviour relationships. Some hold a doctoral degree (PhD or DPsych), but they don’t prescribe medication.
Do I need a neuropsychological assessment or a psychological assessment?
If the question is about how a brain condition — such as a stroke, brain injury, dementia or a neurological illness — is affecting thinking and daily life, a neuropsychological assessment is usually the right fit. For ADHD, autism, learning disorders or mood, a psychological or neurodevelopmental assessment is often more appropriate. If you’re unsure, a Clinical Intake Consultation can help.
What is a registrar?
A registrar is a registered psychologist enrolled in a Psychology Board of Australia registrar program — a structured period of supervised practice leading to an area of practice endorsement (for example, in clinical neuropsychology or clinical psychology). Registrars use titles such as “Clinical Neuropsychology Registrar”.
Sources
- Psychology Board of Australia — Area of practice endorsements
- Psychology Board of Australia — Endorsement FAQ (registrar titles)
- Ahpra — Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service
This guide is general information only and isn’t a substitute for individual advice. Funding rules and rebates change — figures are current as at 2 October 2026.