Clinical Psychologist
What is a career as a clinical psychologist in health and social care?
A clinical psychologist assesses, diagnoses, and treats individuals with mental health difficulties, emotional distress, and neurological conditions. They apply psychological theories and therapies to improve well-being and help people manage psychological challenges.
This involves working with people of all ages who may be experiencing a range of psychological difficulties:
- Mental Health Disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD.
- Severe Mental Illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders such as autism, ADHD, learning disabilities.
- Physical Health Conditions such as chronic illness, pain management, brain injuries.
- Those in forensic settings, working with offenders in prisons or secure hospitals.
Duties & Responsibilities:
As a clinical psychologist duties may include:
- Conducting psychological assessments using interviews, observations, and standardised tests.
- Develop and deliver evidence-based therapy.
- Working with multidisciplinary teams.
- Providing consultation and training for healthcare professionals and caregivers and conducting research and service evaluations to improve treatments and policies.
Entry routes and pay
You will need to have a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy).
This is a 3 year full time NHS funded doctoral programme that combines academic study, clinical placements, and research. You will be employed as a Trainee Clinical Psychologist and upon completion register with the HCPC to practice as a clinical psychologist.
To apply you will need:
- A First-Class or 2:1 Honours British Psychological Society (BPS) Psychology degree with Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
12-24 months hands on work experience in a clinical or mental health setting.
Depending where you are in your training will depend on how much you are paid. When starting the doctorate as a trainee clinical psychologist you will you will start on £37,338 per year.
As a newly qualified clinical psychology you will start on £46,148 per year and can progress to with experience and further training
Where can you work?
Community
Hospital
Mental Health
