Child and Adolescent Psychology and Neuropsychology Services in Liverpool
Dr Gemma Foat-Smith
Principal Clinical Psychologist
BSc, MSc, DClinPsy
​
Specialities
Paediatric Neuropsychology
Neuropsychological Assessment & Formulation
Acquired Brain Injury and Neurological Conditions
Paediatric Neurorehabilitation
Psychological Adjustment Following Illness or Injury
Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress
Family and Systemic Support
​
Therapeutic Approaches
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Trauma-informed approaches
• Systemic and family-based interventions
• Psychoeducation and emotional adjustment
• Consultation with families, schools and teams
​
Location
Liverpool
Remote (on-line)
A Bit About Me
Dr Foat-Smith is a HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist specialising in paediatric neuropsychology, with over 10 years’ experience supporting children and young people with neurological conditions and complex psychological needs. Her work focuses on neurorehabilitation following acquired brain injury and other neurological disorders, supporting young people, families and multidisciplinary teams across hospital and community settings.
In her NHS role at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Dr Foat-Smith worked within the Neurorehabilitation Service supporting young people who have experienced acquired brain injuries and other neurological conditions, including spinal cord injuries, stroke, demyelinating disorders, rare neurogenetic conditions and acute neurological illnesses. She provides specialist neuropsychological assessment, formulation and intervention, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to support recovery, adjustment and longer-term development.
Dr Foat-Smith has expertise in supporting children and young people from the point of acute hospital admission through to discharge and reintegration into home, school and community settings. She works systemically with families, education providers and professionals to ensure that a young person’s cognitive, emotional and behavioural needs are understood and supported within their everyday environments.
Dr Foat-Smith provides psychological support to children and families following traumatic medical events, including supporting those experiencing post-traumatic stress related difficulties. Her approach focuses on helping young people and their families understand the impact of neurological illness or injury, supporting emotional adjustment, and developing strategies that promote wellbeing, independence and participation in daily life. She also provides consultation, training and supervision to multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams.
​
Explore the Specialist Support We Offer​
We support children’s mental health needs with evidence-based approaches like CBT, systemic therapy and trauma-focused interventions. Psychology therapy provision is goal focused to promote well-being and empower children and families to manage challenges effectively.
EDUCATIONAL
PSYCHOLOGY
Through assessments and tailored interventions, we support children and young people to manage educational challenges, develop skills and achieve their full potential. We work with families and educational professionals to foster positive relationships and promote inclusive practices.
We conduct assessments to identify cognitive strengths and challenges, providing information to inform interventions and rehabilitation. Our assessments address needs such as behaviour, learning, memory, attention, executive functioning, and social-emotional regulation.
We specialise in working in the medico-legal setting providing expert witness neuropsychology and educational psychology assessments. with comprehensive evaluations, impartial reports, and tailored recommendations and prognosis. We assist Claimants and Defendants, providing unbiased opinion to inform legal proceedings.
Our approach is assessment-led and formulation driven. Support is and evidence-based, grounded in neuropsychological formulation and developmental understanding. We provide clear, impartial opinion to inform clinical, educational, rehabilitation, and medico-legal decision-making, with intervention where clinically indicated.
We are registered practitioner psychologists (HCPC) who provide neuropsychological, psychological and educational services for children and young people with a range of complex needs. Including assessment, therapy, rehabilitation, MDT input, teaching/ training, and expert opinion across health, education and legal contexts.