Clinical psychologist job description:
As a clinical psychologist, you might undertake a clinical assessment of patients through different tests and methods, which might lead to, advice, counseling or therapy. You will be dealing with patients with a range of mental health problems like addiction, eating disorders, family and relationship issues, depression, anxiety, and learning difficulties.
Working hours range from 9-5 Mondays to Fridays to weekends or on-call shifts depending on the job. Clinical psychologists work in a range of settings like hospitals, psychiatric units, health centres, social services, prisons, schools, and CAMHS.
Salary ranges from Fully trained clinical psychologist Band 7 after £40,057 to Band 9 Head of psychology department £ 105,976.
How to get there:
Although there are various paths to becoming a clinical psychologist the British Psychology Society website suggests:
- Getting a Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) by finishing a psychology or conversion undergraduate degree accredited by the BPS.
- Many people opt to do a masters in Clinical Psychology after this.
- Completing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology accredited by the BPS and approved by the HCPC. To apply for this you will need a 1st or upper 2:1.
- After this you can apply as a trainee clinical psychologist with the NHS where you will receive training to qualify as a trained Clinical psychology.
This said there are multiple variations to this path that can be done, always taking into account the BPS accreditation.