Cultural and Linguistic Competency Training from a Socially Responsible Neuropsychology Model: Perspectives from Trainees

Abstract

Abstract Objective The Cultural Neuropsychology Program (CNP) is the sole bilingual clinical training program specifically focused on culturally and linguistically competent neuropsychological services to the Latino/a population in the UCLA Health System. Following the Socially Responsible Neuropsychology Model (SRN; Suarez et al., 2016), trainees learn the best practices in providing equitable clinical care to all patients irrespective of their background. The current paper discusses various trainees’ professional development in the process of becoming culturally and linguistically competent clinical neuropsychologists. Method The use of case studies illustrates the competency paradigm shift trainees encounter when systematically integrating the SRN model with their clinical training. Three components of the model are emphasized: (1) integration of Etic and Emic approaches during the clinical intake, (2) merging psychometric properties with qualitative processes to compensate for the cultural-linguistic limitations of mainstream gold-standard neuropsychological tools, and (3) becoming an advocate through this social justice framework. Outcomes All trainees were previously exposed to the foundational - and typically required - knowledge-based competency model of understanding and appreciating cultural-individual differences and diversity in neuropsychology. Attaining cultural and linguistic competency through the SRN model, however, requires a salient paradigm shift in all skill-based competencies that trainees may not have been prepared for through their previous education. Discussion By presenting trainees’ perspectives regarding their professional development, the importance of the explicit and systematic integration of fundamental brain-behavior relationships with the SRN model early in graduate training is highlighted. In so doing, this approach can ultimately augment the number of culturally- and linguistically-competent neuropsychologists needed to reduce health disparities. References Suárez, P., Casas, R., Lechuga, D., Cagigas, X. Socially Responsible Neuropsychology in Action: Another Opportunity for California to Lead the Way. Feature in The California Psychologist. Fall of 2016.