Joseph “Joe” Ackerson, Ph.D.
Pediatric Neuropsychology
Private Practice, licensed in Alabama. Dr. Ackerson completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialty in Clinical-Child from the University of Alabama in 1993. He completed training in Clinical Neuropsychology during his internship (James McClellan VAMC & the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock) and fellowship (Braintree Hospital, Boston University School of Medicine). Following his training Dr. Ackerson returned to Birmingham, AL to establish the first exclusively Pediatric Neuropsychology Clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Alabama in 1994. While at Children’s Hospital he was appointed Director of Psychology for Children’s Health System and served as the Associate Clinical Director for Children’s Behavioral Health until 1998.
In 1998 Dr. Ackerson became the Director of Pediatric Neuropsychology for the University of Alabama at Birmingham. While there he served in many roles including administrative, clinical, research, consultation, clinical supervision, and teaching. Funded grants included research, clinical services, and consultation in the areas of traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and autism. In 2006 Dr. Ackerson transitioned from UAB Sparks Clinics to UAB Department of Genetics where his clinical and research activities continued and expanded into the neuropsychological aspects of certain genetic and demyelinating disorders. In 2009 Dr. Ackerson completed his transition into full-time private practice. Although now a full-time private practitioner, Dr. Ackerson maintains close ties to the academic community and continues to serve in clinical, consultative, research, and teaching/supervision roles.
Dr. Ackerson has been involved in furthering the quality of life for children, youth, and their families at the local, state, and national level. Dr. Ackerson has served as a member for the Alabama Statewide Head Injury Taskforce in 1998 and as Chair for Alabama Statewide Sports Concussion Taskforce since its inception in 2007. He has served as a founding member of the UAB Autism Clinic, UAB Pediatric Epilepsy Neurosurgery Group, National Multiple Sclerosis Pediatric Steering Committee, and the United States National Genetics Neurocognitive Study Group. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Epilepsy Foundation for Central and North Alabama and Alabama Head Injury Foundation, as well as Chair/Facilitator for the Prince of Peace Catholic Church Pastoral Council and founding member of the Prince of Peace Catholic School Board.
Dr. Ackerson has also been involved with the Alabama Psychological Association (aPA) where he has served on the Ethics Committee as well as several ad hoc committees addressing professional practice issues. Dr. Ackerson serves on the Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology.
Services Offered
Dr. Ackerson’s clinical specialties include comprehensive evaluations and monitoring of traumatic brain injuries including concussions and neurological issues secondary to genetic and metabolic disorders, multiple sclerosis, toxicity, and other diseases.