Neuropsychological Assessment of Native Americans: Perspectives, Skills, and Case Applications

Course Description:

Native Americans are a very diverse population that also share many common characteristics. Dimensions of diversity include tribal history; intergenerational traumas; religions; languages; current tribal legal, healthcare, and educational systems; inter-tribal relationships; and patterns of acculturation and enculturation. Successful clinical encounters depend upon the neuropsychologist being knowledgeable about both the common and the specific characteristics of their local populations and their particular client. In this presentation, we will discuss how clinicians can learn about their local populations and about their specific clients. We will discuss clinical skills in establishing rapport and developing culturally appropriate recommendations. We will illustrate these principles through a case study that the authors collaborated on. This was a criminal forensic evaluation of a Cherokee youth accused of murder.

About the Presenter:

Diana Hereld, PsyD, is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Clinical Neuropsychology at the UCLA Semel Institute. She was born in Suquamish, Washington and is a member of Cherokee Nation. Her research is often centered around music interventions for trauma, and she holds clinical interests in cultural neuropsychology, particularly North American Native populations.

Tedd Judd, PhD, ABPP-CN, is a cross-cultural clinical and forensic neuropsychologist with 40 years of experience including clients from 90 countries, teaching in 27 countries, and a practicum in cross-cultural neuropsychology. He works with tribes in the Puget Sound area, including a contract with the Makah Tribal Clinic.

Registration Rates:

CPA Members $35***

Division VIII Members $25

Non-Members $50

Please visit the California Psychological Associations website for more information by clicking here.