About neuropsychologists
Neuropsychologists assess and rehabilitate memory, attention, language and other cognitive functions after brain injury, stroke or in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Getting mental health care in China
Public health system · Public hospital system
Psychiatric and psychological care is mainly provided in psychiatric hospitals and psychiatry or psychology departments of general hospitals. The Mental Health Law in force since 2013 limits psychotherapy to medical institutions.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- National Health Commission (physician licensing). Psychiatrists are licensed physicians registered with health authorities.
- National Health Commission (health professional qualification exam). Psychotherapists in medical institutions hold a psychotherapist qualification obtained through the national health professional qualification exam. The former national psychological counsellor certificate stopped being issued in 2017.
Urgent help in China
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 120 · Ambulance
- 12356 · 12356 全国统一心理援助热线
- 4001619995 · 希望24热线 Hope Line
- 4008211215 · Lifeline China
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: apa.org, china-briefing.com
What does a neuropsychologist do?
A neuropsychologist studies how the brain relates to thinking and behaviour. Day to day they carry out detailed assessments of memory, attention, language, planning and other cognitive functions using standardised tests, write reports, and design rehabilitation or stimulation programmes. They work with people after a stroke or brain injury, with neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental conditions, and with their families and medical teams.
When to see a neuropsychologist
A neuropsychologist can help when there are noticeable changes in memory, concentration, language or behaviour, after a head injury or stroke, with concerns about cognitive decline, or to clarify learning or attention difficulties. They are also useful to plan rehabilitation and adapt daily life. If the concern is mainly emotional, a psychologist may fit better; medical causes need a neurologist.
How is it different from other professionals?
A neurologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases of the nervous system and can prescribe medication and order scans. A neuropsychologist measures how those conditions affect thinking and behaviour and works on rehabilitation, without prescribing. A general psychologist focuses more on emotions and behaviour than on detailed cognitive testing. An occupational therapist helps adapt everyday activities and environments after cognitive changes.
What happens in the first session
The first meeting usually gathers information about the concern, medical history, education, daily functioning and any changes noticed by relatives. Testing may start then or in later sessions. Bring medical reports, scan results, a list of medication, school reports if relevant and, if possible, a family member who knows you well. Ask what the assessment involves and what the report will include.
How long does the process take?
A full neuropsychological assessment often takes several hours, sometimes split over more than one appointment, plus time to score tests and prepare a report. Rehabilitation or cognitive stimulation is usually delivered in regular sessions over weeks or months, depending on the cause, the goals and how the person responds. Progress is typically reviewed and the programme adjusted along the way.
Online or in person?
Some parts of neuropsychology work online, such as initial interviews, feedback sessions, family guidance and certain rehabilitation exercises. However, many standardised tests are designed for face-to-face administration, so formal assessments are usually better in person. Online work may be harder for people with significant attention, hearing, vision or technology difficulties, unless a relative can help with the setup.
How to check their qualifications
A neuropsychologist is usually a psychologist with postgraduate specialisation in neuropsychology, so check first that they are registered as a psychologist with the licensing body of their country. Then ask about their specific neuropsychology training, clinical experience with your type of condition, the tests they use and whether they work with hospitals, rehabilitation centres or multidisciplinary teams.
What affects the price?
Costs differ between a one-off assessment with a written report and ongoing rehabilitation sessions. The number of tests, hours involved, the complexity of the case, the professional’s experience, the city and whether reports are needed for legal or administrative purposes all affect price. Ask for an estimate before starting and whether health insurance or public services cover part of it.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in China cover psychological care?
Psychiatric and psychological care is mainly provided in psychiatric hospitals and psychiatry or psychology departments of general hospitals. The Mental Health Law in force since 2013 limits psychotherapy to medical institutions.
How do I check that a neuropsychologist is licensed in China?
National Health Commission (physician licensing): Psychiatrists are licensed physicians registered with health authorities.