Outreach neuropsychology: Innovations in community-based training

Area of Science:

• Neuropsychology
• Cross-cultural Psychology
• Clinical Psychology Training

Background:

• Theoretical advancements in cross-cultural neuropsychology have outpaced practical implementation strategies.
• Serving vulnerable populations in neuropsychology presents challenges related to time and reimbursement.
• There is a need to integrate nuanced multicultural approaches into practical neuropsychological training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a model for practical, community-oriented training in multicultural neuropsychology.
• To address the challenges of providing neuropsychological services to underserved populations.
• To enhance the development of cross-cultural clinical skills among trainees.

Main Methods:

• Implementing community-oriented training programs led by trainees.
• Developing partnerships and programs to serve specific vulnerable groups.
• Utilizing innovative supervision methods, including tele-supervision for bilingual trainees.

Main Results:

• Two programs, HopeWorks for unhoused adults and Salud Para Niños for Spanish-speaking children, were developed using the proposed model.
• The model demonstrated the feasibility of providing neuropsychological care to vulnerable populations.
• Effective supervision strategies for bilingual trainees by monolingual supervisors were discussed.

Conclusions:

• Community-based training models can successfully serve vulnerable populations while providing valuable clinical experience.
• This approach encourages the establishment of new training rotations focused on community needs.
• The model supports the development of essential cross-cultural competencies in neuropsychology trainees.