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How to become a Clinical Psychologist

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Career progression and salary expectations for a Clinical Psychologist

Trainee Clinical Psychologist

| Up to £26,000

Clinical Psychologist

| Up to £45,000

Consultant Clinical Psychologist

| Up to £80,000

The role of a Clinical Psychologist

What does a Clinical Psychologist do?

Considering becoming a Clinical Psychologist? Now there’s something to think about…

Clinical Psychologists diagnose, and provide treatment for, a wide range of physical and mental health problems.

Their work differs from other fields of psychology in that they generally focus on patients with more serious mental issues, such as depression and anxiety, eating disorders, neurological disorders or addictions. However, the work they do may have a large amount of crossover with other areas of mental healthcare, such as counselling and health psychology.

Typical duties for a Clinical Psychologist may include:

Assessing a client’s condition
Using psychometric tests, one-on-one discussions and direct observation techniques to provide a formal diagnosis
Recommending and administering treatment, such as CBT, other types of therapy or counselling
Writing reports and monitoring improvements
Carrying out further research into specific areas of mental health

Is a career as a Clinical Psychologist right for me?

Aside from an advanced interest in psychology, a genuine sense of compassion and the desire to improve people’s quality of life is key for anyone looking to become a Clinical Psychologist.

You’ll be dealing with distressed individuals on a day-to-day basis, and your ability to build trust during the process will go a long way in ensuring that your clients feel comfortable in your care. Excellent communication skills will be similarly vital in this profession.

Other key skills for a Clinical Psychologist include:

Honesty
Empathy
Patience
Tact
Excellent problem solving skills
The ability to work well under pressure

What's it like to be a Clinical Psychologist?

"What’s a typical day like? It depends really. Like most Clinical Psychologists, I work within the NHS, and spend the majority of my time seeing patients in the hospital. I spend around an hour or so with each individual – whether it’s providing therapy, or simply trying to assess what the problem is. It can be really stressful at times, and it’s not always easy dealing with people when they get upset or angry. But it just makes me want to help them more. And knowing the work I do has actually helped someone overcome something which has adversely affected their life for so long, it just feels amazing."

Get qualified as a Clinical Psychologist

You will need a degree accredited by the BPS (British Psychological Society), and three years of postgraduate study (leading to a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology), in order to become a Clinical Psychologist. You will also need at least a year of relevant clinical work experience. However, there is often a lot of competition for places on the Doctorate, and voluntary work or additional certifications in psychology could be a great way to set yourself apart.

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