Clinical psychologist
Clinical psychologists help people manage mental health issues, phobias and addiction.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a clinical psychologist, you'll:
- work out what your client needs using interviews, tests and observations
- decide on appropriate treatments, such as therapy or counselling
- work closely with medical professionals like other doctors
- write reports and act as an expert witness in court
- go to conferences and keep up to date with developments in the field
- develop research projects to improve understanding of conditions and how best to treat them
Working environment
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.
Career path and progression
With experience and further training, you could:
- specialise working with certain people, such as children or young offenders
- specialise in clinical neuropsychology
- move into research or teach at a university
- work as a freelance consultant, advising other professionals and clients
- set up your own psychology practice
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of psychology
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
- the ability to understand people’s reactions
- sensitivity and understanding
- analytical thinking skills
- active listening skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
How to become
You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.
The first step is to get a degree in psychology accredited by The British Psychological Society.
If you have a degree in a subject other than psychology, you can apply for an accredited conversion course.
Postgraduate course
After your degree, you'll need a postgraduate doctorate (PhD or DClinPsych) in clinical psychology. There's usually a lot of competition for places on doctorate courses.
To get a place, you'll need:
- a first or 2:1 (upper second class) in your degree
- evidence of excellent research skills
- some work experience
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 3 A levels or equivalent
More Information
You could apply to 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 (PhD or DClinPsych) to become a clinical psychologist.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- a degree in a relevant subject
More Information
Registration
- you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
Professional and industry bodies
You can join The British Psychological Society for professional development and training opportunities.
Further information
You’ll find more about careers in clinical psychology from The British Psychological Society and Health Careers.
You can also explore other careers in the psychological professions.
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.