Dr Laura Anderson’s Qualifications and Experience
Dr Laura obtained a Master of Clinical Neuropsychology from La Trobe University in 2013. She holds specialist endorsement in the field of Clinical Neuropsychology. Dr Laura is also a registered supervisor with the Psychology Board of Australia.
Dr Laura obtained her PhD in Forensic Medicine from Monash University in 2019 and she is an Adjunct Research Fellow with Monash University’s Department of Forensic Medicine. You can read about Laura’s research projects here.
Dr Laura has worked as a Clinical Neuropsychologist within the criminal justice system for over ten years. Dr Laura’s clinical practice has a particular focus on understanding the nexus between cognitive impairment, mental health, and offending behaviours. She has published and presented widely in independent research in peer-reviewed journals and frequently delivers training to both clinical and correctional staff to improve understanding of the impact of cognitive impairment upon behaviour.
Dr Laura has worked across all aspects of the criminal justice system, including:
Conducting neuropsychological assessments for the Magistrates;, County and Supreme Courts of Victoria
Providing clinical services within a range of prison settings throughout Victoria
Providing clinical services within youth justice centres in the Northern Territory
Providing clinical services within forensic inpatient settings in Victoria
Providing clinical services and case management for people reintegrating from prison to the community
Additionally, Dr Laura has conducted neuropsychological assessments for a range of community-based services, including conducting medico-legal assessments for insurance agencies, Work Cover, the Traffic Accident Commission, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Centrelink, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and others.
Dr Laura has a particular focus in her clinical practice upon conducting evidence-based neuropsychological assessment with complex presentations, as well as providing behavioural interventions for people demonstrating complex and challenging behaviours.
Dr Laura’s Churchill Fellowship
Dr Laura was awarded a prestigious Winston Churchill Fellowship in 2022 which saw her travel to a range of European countries in 2023. Her project was titled:
”Understanding global approaches to supporting rehabilitation for cognitively impaired offenders”
Her completed report and recommendations is now available to review.