Neuropsychology and Medical Psychology Division

The Neuropsychology and Medical Psychology Division includes both psychologists who have had a decades-long affiliation with UC and the local medical community, as well as those who have more recently begun to practice here. We serve patients at several UC Health locations, including Daniel Drake Center for Post-Acute Care, UCGNI and West Chester outpatient clinic. We offer the Tristate’s most complete range of specialized neuropsychological and medical rehabilitation psychology care for inpatients and outpatients.

Academic Overview

Psychologists in our division actively engage in ongoing educational talks to university and community audiences, including medical residents within the department. Psychologists also routinely provide observational and training opportunities for residents, medical students, and doctoral level psychology graduate students via individual meetings and didactics with the psychologist.

Areas of Expertise

Traumatic injury, chronic illness or disability causes emotional upheaval that can be difficult and challenging for both the patient and family The patient is often faced with the reality of reduced independence and transition to an altered lifestyle.Research has shown that attitude, outlook, and coping skills are essential foundations of effective rehabilitation, and that not treating these emotional issues can lead to further disability.

The neuropsychology/medical psychology team has special expertise in dealing with such challenges. They fully recognize that the best possible recovery requires expert attention to the patient’s skills, attitudes, behaviors, and family relationships in addition to physical well-being. These professionals are trained and experienced in assessing and treating the overlapping area between medical illnesses and psychological problems.

Neuropsychology and medical psychology services are carefully designed to meet the varied needs of each patient. Our psychologists collaborate closely with referring physicians, as well as with interdisciplinary teams including speech pathologists, PTs, OTs, case managers and employers as needed. Specialized services include Neuropsychological Evaluation, Medical/Rehabilitation Psychology, and Pain Management.

Collectively, our expertise covers numerous medical diagnoses, including but not limited to psychological aspects of traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, CVA, amputation, Parkinson’s disease, MS, dementia, cancer, cardiac problems, ventilator dependence, and other complex neurological and medical issues.

We work with adults of all ages, with several psychologists specializing in geriatric assessment and treatment, including dementia and caregiver issues.

Research Activity

While clinical service is the primary focus for most psychologists in our division, we also participate actively in a variety of research domains. Psychologists in our division regularly serve as invited reviewers for academic journals.

Neuropsychological assessment is an integral part of several grant-funded clinical research projects in the Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, as well as in other departments at the University of Cincinnati. Neuropsychologists participate in research regarding antiepileptic drugs, diagnostic aids for Alzheimer’s disease, pre-surgical applications of fMRI in epilepsy, neuroimaging of treatment effects of adolescent mania, and bipolar disorder, as well as other areas.

Research and teaching is the predominant focus of one psychologist whose primary appointment is in the Department of Psychology at the University of Cincinnati.