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Clinical Psychologist

Do you want to become a Clinical Psychologist? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

• Clinical psychologists work with people to reduce their mental or emotional distress. They aim to help clients to cope with their problems and make positive changes.
• They work with people with a wide range of problems. These include anxiety, depression, addictive disorders, behavioural disorders, learning disabilities, relationship problems or serious mental illness.
• Psychologists start by assessing their clients to identify their difficulties.
• They then agree and carry out a programme of treatment with the client.
• Psychologists monitor their clients' progress and keep written records.

Clinical psychologists usually work as part of a team with other professionals. Consultant psychologists also spend a lot of their time teaching, training and supervising staff.

Most full-time clinical psychologists work around 37.5 hours a week. They work in health and social care settings such as hospitals, health centres, community mental health teams, child and adolescent mental health services and social services.

Salaries in the National Health Service (NHS) range from around £18,700 to £68,537 a year.

A clinical psychologist should:

• be committed to helping people
• have excellent communication skills and be a good listener
• be able to relate to people of all backgrounds and abilities
• be patient and able to put people at their ease
• have a strong interest in healthcare and science.

Most clinical psychologists work in the NHS but some work in private practice. There is a lot of competition to get into training for clinical psychology. However, there is a national shortage of qualified clinical psychologists, so job opportunities once qualified are very good.

To begin training, people generally need a first or upper second class honours degree in psychology, or an equivalent qualification. They also need relevant work experience, usually as an assistant psychologist or research assistant, before applying for a three-year, full-time accredited training course leading to a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Clinical psychologists may progress in the NHS to managing a department or large section. They may work for a university in training, teaching or research. Some transfer from the NHS to the private sector; others work freelance.

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