WHY CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY?

Whilst choosing which therapist is right for you, you may start to feel confused and overwhelmed by all of the different professionals and what they offer, as well as the differences in price ranges which you may come across on this journey, with clinical psychologists often charging more, so why is this?

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Clinical psychologists are highly skilled and experienced professionals trained to doctorate level, having spent a minimum of 6 years total at university. Prior to training, they must have already completed a BPS accredited 3-year undergraduate psychology degree (or post-graduate conversion course). They also require a number of years of clinical experience prior to training which may include support work, assistant psychologist posts, research posts or may come from other professional backgrounds. A number of Clinical Psychologists also have completed Master's degrees prior to their training.

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Clinical Psychologists are specifically trained to work with complex presentations in the NHS as well as conduct psychological research and take on leadership roles in organisations. The DClinPsy course takes a minimum of 3 years and involves research, academic teaching and clinical placements. Clinical psychologists are trained in a number of evidence-based psychological models, with a specialism in CBT plus one other model and gain experience on their placements working across working age adults, children, neuropsychology/learning disabilities, and older adults. Clinical Psychologists are skilled in psychological assessment (including neuropsychology and psychometrics), formulation, intervention (both direct and indirect), evaluation, research, teaching and training and service development. As clinical psychologists are trained in a variety of psychological models it provides them with the advantage of providing a more flexible, integrative approach, adapting their way of working to suit the needs of a large variety of individuals. 

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The title of 'Clinical Psychologist' is protected by law and can only be used by professionals who have undergone rigorous training requirements and who are registered with the Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC). HCPC sets and regulates the ethical and professional standards in order to monitor and ensure safe practice and a consistent level of training amongst those using the titles. You can check the status of a particular clinical psychologist here. 

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Currently, in the UK the titles of 'counsellor', 'psychotherapist' and 'psychologist' are not protected by law, meaning that there are no legal restrictions and regulations in terms of the standards of training or qualifications. If you do decide that you wish to work with a counsellor or psychotherapist and they are the best fit for you it is important that you check their credentials and ensure that they are registered with the appropriate regulatory body such as the BABCP and UKCP.