Clinical Psychologist
What is the work like?
Clinical psychologists help people make positive changes to their thinking and behaviour. They aim to understand their clients' thoughts and actions so they can work with them to manage or overcome their psychological distress and improve their well-being.
As a clinical psychologist, you would work with people experiencing psychological difficulties such as anxiety, depression, phobias or eating disorders. You could specialise in work with a particular group, such as children, young offenders or older adults.
Your work would typically involve:
- assessing clients' needs using interviews, psychometric tests and observation
- deciding on the most appropriate form of treatment, including therapy, counselling or advice
- planning a treatment programme and treating clients in groups or one-to-one
- writing reports and attending case conferences
- carrying out research
- counselling and supporting carers.
You would work closely with other professionals such as doctors and probation officers to achieve specific goals with your clients, for example, rehabilitating an offender into the community.
With experience, you could be involved in producing legal reports and acting as an expert witness in court.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To qualify as a Chartered Clinical Psychologist you need to complete:
- a degree in psychology accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), leading to Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR)
- a three-year full-time Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
To get on to a degree you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C), plus three A levels – check with universities for exact entry details. See the BPS website for a list of accredited courses.
If you already have a degree in a subject other than psychology, you can achieve GBR by completing a BPS-approved conversion course, or by sitting the BPS Qualifying Exam.
Competition for places on the postgraduate training programme (leading to a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology) is strong – to be accepted you will generally need:
- a first or upper second (2:1) degree accredited by BPS (including GBR)
- evidence of your research skills
- relevant paid or voluntary work experience – for example as a psychology assistant, research assistant, or in a caring role within the public, private or voluntary sectors.
For exact entry requirements and a list of training programmes, check the Clearing House for Postgraduate Training Courses in Clinical Psychology website. This also includes advice on how to gain relevant work and research experience.
All courses involve work with children and vulnerable adults, so you will need CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) clearance.
When you start a course you will be paid by the NHS as a trainee clinical psychologist. Your course will combine academic and practical training, plus a research project and clinical placements.
See the BPS website for full details of qualifying in clinical psychology.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are qualified you could go on to specialise in clinical neuropsychology, which would involve completing a further two years' supervised practice plus an accredited course in neuropsychology. You could also pursue a research project leading to a PhD qualification, which would be useful if you wanted a career in research or teaching.
Throughout your career you will be expected to take part in continuing professional development (CPD) activities in order to keep your knowledge and skills up to date. See the BPS website for details.
Where can I go for more information?
St Andrew's House48 Princess Road East
Leicester
LE1 7DR
Tel: 0116 254 9568
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Clinical psychologists in the NHS can earn between £24,100 and £32,600 a year.
- With experience, this can rise to between £38,300 and £44,500.
- Managers may earn up to £53,400.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would typically work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Occasionally, you may need to work an evening or weekend shift, and possibly cover an emergency out-of-hours rota system. You may also find opportunities for part-time work and job sharing.
You would work with clients in hospitals and local health centres, within mental health and disability services, in schools and the judicial system. Sessions can take place in an office, treatment room or at the client’s own home.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent communication skills
- good problem solving skills
- a logical approach
- respect for confidentiality
- empathy and a patient manner
- the ability to maintain a professional distance
- an accurate and methodical approach, especially when gathering and using data
- computer skills.
What opportunities are there?
You will find most opportunities within the NHS, although you could also find work in social services or in education, as a teacher or researcher in a university.
Promotion prospects are good, and with organisations like the NHS there is a clearly defined career structure. As an experienced clinical psychologist, you could go on to set up in private practice or work as a freelance consultant, advising other professionals and clients.
You may find the following useful for assistant psychologist and clinical psychologist job vacancies and for general reading: (links open new window)
NHS Jobs
BPS Psychological Appointments
Mental Health Jobs
The Guardian (Wednesday)
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
