Top neuropsychology organizations push for social justice in clinician training guidelines

In December 2024, top neuropsychology organizations across North America are preparing to adopt new training guidelines that emphasize the importance of equity, justice, and inclusion within the field. These guidelines suggest that clinicians should employ 'social justice frameworks' in their practices, acknowledge the presence of systemic oppression, and work towards developing equitable and just scientific knowledge. The Minnesota Conference, which proposed the final guidelines on November 26, has highlighted that these principles need to be interwoven into all aspects of neuropsychological practice. The impetus for these guidelines stems from a growing push within various fields of medicine to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) frameworks into training and credentialing. Medical schools have also aligned their curricula to reflect these changing standards. Notably, institutions like the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of California, San Francisco, have implemented courses dedicated to social justice, showcasing a trend towards integrating these ideologies within education. Despite the intent behind these guidelines, the response from the neuropsychology community has been mixed. Critics have pointed out that the focus on intersectionality, oppression, and equity could detract from the primary focus on scientific learning and clinical expertise. Larry Brooks, a neuropsychologist from South Florida, expressed concern that the attention on social justice could take away valuable time from the rigorous scientific training necessary for effective practice. Amidst growing scrutiny and feedback from neuropsychologists, the Minnesota Conference announced a willingness to revise the guidelines based on community input. They engaged the Arredondo Advisory Group, an organization specializing in equity, diversity, and inclusion consulting, to help refine the proposed standards. While some of the more contentious language has been softened, the guidelines still call for practitioners to understand and incorporate societal issues relating to diversity, equity, power, and justice into their training and practices. The outcome of these guidelines will be determined in a vote by the organization’s members in three months, making it a pivotal moment for neuropsychology in North America.