Clinical psychologist

Clinical psychologists help people manage mental health issues, phobias and addiction.

In this guide

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:

Most relevant

  • Psychology - Clinical psychologists use psychological theories and models every day to understand how people think, feel, and behave. They draw on knowledge of areas like cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology to assess clients and plan treatments.
  • Biology - Clinical psychologists need to understand how the brain and nervous system work, including how neurotransmitters, hormones, and genetics influence mental health. This biological knowledge helps them understand conditions like depression, anxiety, and addiction at a deeper level.
  • Mathematics - Clinical psychologists use statistics to design and interpret research studies, analyse data from psychological tests, and evaluate whether treatments are effective. Understanding probability and data analysis is essential for reading and producing research in the field.

Also relevant

  • Sociology - Clinical psychologists consider how social factors – such as poverty, family structures, and cultural background – affect a person's mental health. Understanding how society shapes people's experiences helps them provide more effective and sensitive support.
  • English Language - Clinical psychologists write detailed reports, case notes, and research papers, and sometimes act as expert witnesses in court. They also need exceptional listening and communication skills to build trust with clients and explain complex ideas clearly.
  • Philosophy - Clinical psychologists regularly face ethical dilemmas – such as balancing client confidentiality with safeguarding concerns. Philosophy's focus on ethics, logic, and critical reasoning helps develop the kind of careful thinking this work demands.
  • Law - Clinical psychologists sometimes act as expert witnesses in court and work with clients in the criminal justice system, including young offenders. Understanding legal frameworks around mental health, consent, and safeguarding is important in their day-to-day practice.
  • Chemistry - Clinical psychologists work closely with doctors who prescribe medication, so understanding the basics of how drugs interact with brain chemistry is useful. Knowledge of pharmacology helps them discuss treatment options and understand how medication and therapy work together.

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

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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