About Clinical Psychology
A clinical psychologist is a healthcare professional who aims to understand and alleviate psychological distress whilst promoting psychological well-being and personal development. Central to a clinical psychologist’s role is psychological assessment and therapy.
In order to become a clinical psychologist in the UK you need to complete a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology which has been approved by the regulatory body, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Therefore, most clinical psychologists have completed a three-year undergraduate Psychology degree, followed by relevant clinical or research experience and then a three-year postgraduate doctorate training programme. The aim of the doctorate training is to equip the psychologist with specialist clinical knowledge and therapeutic skills to work with children and adults across a life-span, using a range of therapeutic approaches.
A clinical psychologist can help people overcome, or live with, a variety of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, learning difficulties, stress and issues around bereavement, loss and life adjustment. They work with the individual, couple, family or organisation to reduce distress and bring about change for the better.
Once qualified, most clinical psychologists gain further experience and develop an area of expertise or specialism either in the type of presenting problem (for example, working in a specialist eating disorders service) or the age/client group they see (for example, working with adults or with children, adolescents and their families). They work both in the NHS or in independent practice.
The duration and cost of a Psychology appointment will vary. Please contact us for more detailed information and advice.
Our clinical psychologists all hold a practising certificate through the British Psychological Society (BPS). They are also registered Practitioner Psychologists with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).