Clinical psychologist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.

University

You'll need 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 in clinical psychology. There's usually a lot of competition for places on postgraduate courses.

To get a place on a course, you'll need:

• a first or 2

Entry requirements:

• 3 A levels or equivalent

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a clinical associate in psychology degree apprenticeship.

As a clinical associate, you would work under the supervision of a registered clinical psychologist.

Once you've completed your degree apprenticeship, you'll need to apply for graduate membership before you can apply for jobs as a clinical psychologist.

Entry requirements:

• a degree in a relevant subject

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• 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
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• customer service skills
• knowledge of English language
• active listening skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• a good memory
• maths skills

What you'll do:

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

As a clinical psychologist, you'll:

• work out what your client needs using interviews and tests
• decide on the best treatments, like therapy or counselling
• go to conferences and research different topics
• work closely with other professionals like doctors
• write reports and act as an expert witness in court

Location : You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a client's home, at a university or at a health centre.
Environment : Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Salary:

Starter : £35,000
Experienced : £50,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends occasionally

Career Path:

With experience or more 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