Clinical psychologists use scientific knowledge, counselling and therapy to help people make positive changes to their thinking and behaviour. They aim to understand their clients' thoughts and actions and work with them to manage or overcome their condition.

They work with people with a variety of psychological difficulties such as: 

• anxiety
• depression
• addictions
• behavioural difficulties
• eating disorders
• relationship problems
• learning disabilities.

Clinical psychologists will often specialise and work with a particular group, such as children, young offenders or older adults.

To make a clinical assessment of their clients’ needs, they use a range of techniques including:

• interviews
• psychometric tests
• direct observation of behaviour.

After an assessment, clinical psychologists will decide on the most appropriate form of treatment, which can include counselling, therapy and advice. Sometimes they also provide counselling and support to carers. During treatment, they apply their understanding of psychological research and theory to help their clients, and they contribute to this area by carrying out research and evaluating treatment programmes.

Clinical psychologists work closely with other professionals such as doctors and probation officers to achieve specific goals with their clients, for example, rehabilitating an offender into the community. Some experienced clinical psychologists will produce legal reports and act as an expert witness in court.

Hours and Environment

As a clinical psychologist you will 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. There are opportunities for part-time work and job sharing.

You will 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.

Skills and Interests

As a clinical psychologist, you need:  

• excellent communication skills
• the ability to relate to a wide range of people
• an interest in how people behave, their abilities and temperaments
• good problem solving skills and a logical approach
• the ability to act in the client's best interests and maintain confidentiality
• a sympathetic and patient manner
• a responsible attitude and the ability to maintain a professional distance
• the ability to work alone and as part of a team with other professionals
• an accurate and methodical approach, especially when gathering and using data
• computer skills.

Entry

The first step to becoming a clinical psychologist is to take a psychology degree accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). When choosing a course, you need to make sure it is recognised as the Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR) with the BPS.

You can find a full list of accredited courses on the BPS website (see Further Information section for contact details).

The entry requirements for an approved degree in psychology are likely to include five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), plus three A levels/H grades. Exact requirements will vary depending on the college or university, but relevant A level subjects include:

• social sciences
• psychology
• economics
• history
• biology
• English 
• maths. 

If you are a graduate with 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. Please check the BPS website, or contact them for further details.

Many employers prefer you to be registered with the BPS as a Chartered Clinical Psychologist. Having chartered status is not, however, a legal requirement. Check the BPS website for details.

Training

When you have completed a BPS accredited psychology degree, you need to gain a place on an NHS funded training course leading to a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Once you are on an approved training programme, you become an employee of the NHS and work as a trainee clinical psychologist.

Competition for a place on an approved training programme is strong. Entry requirements will often include:

• a first or upper second class honours degree in psychology
• evidence of research skills
• relevant work experience.

Training is a combination of clinical work-based practice with theoretical study and research. You can apply for a place on an approved training programme through the Clearing House for Postgraduate Training Courses in Clinical Psychology. This website links to all approved providers and contains advice about how to gain relevant work and research experience, which some providers demand. Training is full-time and takes three years to complete.

You can gain relevant work and research experience as an assistant psychologist or research assistant supporting a clinical psychology team in the NHS. As an assistant, you will have direct contact with service users and psychology professionals. You need a degree in psychology to apply and competition is strong. The BPS publishes an ‘Appointments Memorandum’, which includes job advertisements for assistant posts; see Further Information for BPS details.

Relevant experience
You will gain skills and understanding which are useful to the area of clinical psychology by working in a caring role (for example, as a healthcare assistant or social work assistant) or with people who have disabilities. This may be in the public, private or voluntary sectors, through part-time, full-time, voluntary or paid work.

Research skills
Many training providers prefer you to have research experience in both academic and clinical areas. You can achieve this through your undergraduate project and by carrying out research during your practical work experience. Doing clinical research with users of clinical psychology services would be particularly helpful.

Criminal record check
When you apply for a place on a programme you will have a criminal record check. This is made by your training provider or employing NHS Trust, through the Criminal Records Bureau (for England and Wales) or Disclosure Scotland. Contact your training provider for more information on their criminal records policy.

Opportunities

As a clinical psychologist you will find most opportunities for work in the NHS and social services. You will also find opportunities within education as a teacher or researcher in a university.

There is a national shortage of clinical psychologists and opportunities for promotion are good. Organisations like the NHS have a clearly defined career structure. You may need to relocate to find your first position or to take up a more senior post.

Some clinical psychologists set up in private practice or as freelance consultants, advising other professionals and clients.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

An assistant psychologist in the NHS can earn around £11,500 a year.
Trainee clinical psychologists can earn between £22,800 and £31,000 a year.
Qualified clinical psychologists can earn up to around £37,000.
Senior clinical psychologists can earn up to £43,000.

Further information

St Andrew's House
48 Princess Road East
Leicester
LE1 7DR
Tel: 0116 254 9568 Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk PO Box 376
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655