What is a Clinical Psychologist?

The first step in training to be a Clinical Psychologist is undertaking an undergraduate degree in psychology.  To meet Graduate Basis for Registration with the British Psychological Society, this degree must include certain subjects such as social psychology and developmental psychology.  After completing this degree, those seeking to train as clinical psychologists usually go on to gain relevant clinical experience as an Assistant Psychologist or a Research Assistant.  Some undertake a further period of study such as a Masters degree. 

On successful completion of the above, they will then undertake a taught Doctorate in Clinical Psychology which involves a range of clinical placements in NHS settings including Adult Mental Health, Child and Family and Older Adults.  The Doctorate also has a strong academic component including a range of academic assignments and culminates in completion of a Doctoral thesis on a clinically relevant topic.

Clinical Psychologists in the UK mainly work in the NHS in mental health servies but also in other areas, such as forensic, learning disability and physical health services.

Some of the core aspects of a Clinical Psychologist's role include psychological assessments, formulation and therapy, teaching and training, providing clinical supervision and consultation for other professionals, for example, contributing to a psychological understanding of cases they may be working with.  Clinical psychologists also have extensive training which enables them to carry out research.