Clinical psychologist

Clinical psychologists help people of all ages manage their mental health issues, like phobias, depression, eating disorders and addiction.

Potential salary: £49,000 starter to £65,000 experienced per year
Typical hours: 37 to 40. Working pattern: evenings / weekends occasionally.
Career area: Health and care
Where they might work: You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a client's home, at a university or at a health centre. Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
A typical task: talk to clients to learn about their situation, emotions and mental health state
Subjects that may help: 3 A levels or equivalent
Typical route: The first step is to study for a degree in psychology accredited by The British Psychological Society .
Interest area used here: Helping and teaching, Asking questions and research

Career actions

What you might do

talk to clients to learn about their situation, emotions and mental health state
assess client needs and diagnose conditions through further tests and observations
provide personalised evidence-based treatments, like talking therapies
keep clients' families and carers updated on progress
record accurate client case notes and write up reports
support trainee and newly qualified psychologists

More tasks (1)

develop research projects to improve understanding of conditions and how best to treat them

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

More skills

The first step is to study for a degree in psychology accredited by The British Psychological Society .
If you have a degree in a subject other than psychology, you can apply to do an accredited conversion course .
After your degree, you'll need to complete a postgraduate doctorate (DClinPsych) in clinical psychology. There is usually a lot of competition for places on doctorate courses.
To get a place, you'll need:
a first class or 2:1 (upper second class) award in your degree
evidence of excellent research skills
work experience
You'll usually need:
3 A levels or equivalent
equivalent entry requirements
student finance for fees and living costs
university courses and entry requirements

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

Counselling Studies
Related, but not enough on its own. Clinical psychology requires a doctorate and is not a counselling degree.
Neuroscience
Related, but not enough on its own. Clinical psychology is a postgraduate profession. Neuroscience does not replace that training.
Psychology
Usually needs further study after a degree. An accredited psychology degree can be the first step. The profession requires doctoral clinical training. The undergraduate degree is not sufficient.

You could do a Clinical Associate in Psychology Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.
As a qualified clinical associate, you could apply for graduate membership of The British Psychological Society.
You would work within the field you trained for under the supervision of a registered clinical psychologist.
You would also continue with further postgraduate doctorate training (DClinPsych) to become a clinical psychologist.
You'll usually need:
a degree in a relevant subject
equivalent entry requirements
guide to apprenticeships

Career progression

With experience and further training, you could:
specialise working with certain groups, for example young people or offenders
manage a clinical psychology team
move into university teaching and research
work as a freelance consultant, advising other medical professionals and clients
set up your own clinical psychology practice

you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults