What type of assessment might a clinical neuropsychologist conduct?

A clinical neuropsychologist primarily focuses on understanding the relationship between the brain and behavior. Cognitive assessments are a critical part of their practice because they evaluate various cognitive functions including memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and executive functioning. These assessments are essential for diagnosing and determining the extent of cognitive impairments that may arise from neurological conditions, brain injuries, or developmental disorders.

Through cognitive assessments, clinical neuropsychologists can create a comprehensive profile of a person's cognitive capabilities, which helps inform treatment plans, rehabilitation strategies, and educational interventions. The data gathered can also provide insight into how specific brain conditions affect cognitive performance, enabling better management of the patient’s needs.

While personality tests, risk assessments, and behavioral assessments are important tools in psychology, they do not specifically align with the primary focus of clinical neuropsychology, which centers around cognitive functions and their relationship to underlying neurological processes.