Sydney Neuropsychology Research Clinic
About the clinic
The Sydney Neuropsychology Clinic is a research clinic providing comprehensive neuropsychological assessments for adults and older-adults of all backgrounds. Adults and older-adults with known or suspected cognitive and/or behavioural difficulties, arising from brain trauma, disease, genetic conditions, environmental causes or neurodegenerative diseases, can be referred for a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and participation in relevant intervention therapies.
Our researchers investigate better ways to detect, manage and treat cognitive and behavioural complaints. We are interested in individually-tailored outcomes, transdiagnostic approaches and innovative ways to support independent living and enhanced quality of life.
The Sydney Neuropsychology Clinic is co-located with the Psychology Clinic at the Brain and Mind Centre, and is part of the School of Psychology at the University of Sydney. Our focus is on neuropsychological assessment to address cognitive concerns, such as language and memory, and concerns with social and behavioural functioning, such as increased agitation or decreased motivation to engage in social activities.
If you are seeking an appointment for psychometric testing for ADHD, or for concerns related to anxiety, depression, family issues, grief or loss, please contact the Psychology Clinic here.
We are still accepting referrals during this time. Our service will be offered remotely via telehealth appointments.
Our Services
Participating in a research clinic provides access to clinical services that are closely integrated with the latest research programs. Neuropsychological assessments and interventions are conducted by trained researchers and postgraduate trainees under the supervision of experienced Clinical Neuropsychologists. All our research studies are at the forefront of current research knowledge and our services are based on the latest evidence to ensure high-quality care.
A neuropsychological assessment is an assessment of one’s cognitive skills; that is, their ‘thinking skills’. An assessment involves various standardised neuropsychological tests to evaluate different areas of thinking: overall intelligence, attention, memory and learning, language, perception, higher-level ‘executive functions’ (e.g., planning, organising, concept-formation), social cognition and mood. The results from the testing are compared to average population scores (i.e., ‘normative test data’) and are used in combination with information about the individual’s medical history, and psychosocial background, education and work history, and current environment. This provides the clinical neuropsychologist with comprehensive information about the person’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
What is a neuropsychological assessment used for?
A neuropsychological assessment can be used to assist with diagnosis and to provide understanding of a person’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses following injury to the brain or changes in the brain arising from medical conditions (e.g., neurodegenerative disease, surgery). It is also important for informing treatment programs and tailoring them to the individual. An assessment can also be conducted for medicolegal purposes, and to provide information on an individual’s capacity to manage their affairs such as finances and medical care.
What is a Clinical Neuropsychologist?
A clinical neuropsychologist is a psychologist who has undergone specialised training in administering and interpreting neuropsychological tests. They understand the types of neuropsychological profiles that are associated with certain conditions (e.g., Traumatic Brain Injury, Dementia, Stroke, etc) and understand the complex interplay between brain function and behaviour.
Clients and their families will also be invited to participate in relevant intervention therapy, to help them manage symptoms and concerns. Available interventions depend on our current research projects and clinical capacity. If you are interested, please inform the clinic staff.
Referrals
Anyone can refer themselves, their family member, or a client or patient to the Clinic by mail, email with the contact details at the top of this page, or through the online referral portal (click here).
Once a referral is received, the Clinic Director will assess it and a Clinic staff member will contact you to obtain further details about what you require to ensure that the Clinic is the most suitable service. In instances where the referral is not accepted, every effort will be made to provide details for more appropriate services.
For referrals, please provide the details outlined here and send to neuropsychology.clinic@sydney.edu.au.
For more details about the study see here.
Please feel free to get in touch for further information about the referral process, or how to get involved/participate.
Our Research
- Investigating thinking, behaviour and social functioning in adults to better understand the types of symptoms people experience and why they occur
- Developing evidenced-based interventions to improve quality of life and independent living
- Understanding and supporting financial decision making in older adults
Our team
Associate Professor, Clinical Neuropsychologist
Associate Professor Fiona Kumfor
Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Clinical Neuropsychologist
Dr Stephanie Wong
Research Assistant, Psychology
Ann Dixon
Research Assistant, Psychology
Amira Skeggs
Director (Clinical Psychology Unit), Clinical Psychologist
Professor Caroline Hunt
Professor of Neuropsychology, Clinical Neuropsychologist
Professor Suncica Lah