What is a Clinical Psychologist?

It can be confusing trying to differentiate between different mental health professionals.

Clinical Psychologists specialise in the scientific study of people, the mind and behaviour; they seek to understand how people think, feel and behave, both on an individual and a social level.

Currently, the role of a 'Psychologist' is not a protected title which means that anyone can legally use this term without any specialist or postgraduate training. 

However, 'Clinical Psychologists' have post-graduate training to doctorate level which often takes about 10 years to achieve. Clinical Psychologists have to be registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a registered Psychologist. See https://www.hcpc-uk.org/check-the-register/

So what do Clinical Psychologists do? We understand the need to conduct a thorough assessment to develop a bespoke and individualised understanding of why you are experiencing difficulties using a process called psychological formulation.

This process involves applying evidence-based scientific knowledge to diagnose the type of problems you have (e.g. anxiety, low mood) and to establish why the problems exist and what is maintaining them.

From this process we develop treatment goals and then use specific evidence-based psychological treatments to achieve meaningful and sustainable change.

 

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Here are a few important facts about the training, accreditation and governance of Clinical Psychologists in the UK:

  • They will have completed an undergraduate degree in psychology.
  • They then typically work as an assistant psychologist or in research for several years before then completing a doctorate.
  • The post-doctorate training takes 3-years in Clinical Psychology resulting in a DClinPsy from an accredited institution.
  • Once qualified, practising Clinical Psychologists must be registered with the Health Care and Professions Council (HCPC) as Practitioner/ Registered Psychologists.
  • Clinical Psychologists are also trained to produce and understand scientific research and some might have published papers in academic journals.
  • They are usually trained in several models of therapy which are particularly effective at treating certain disorders such as: Schema-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR).
  • Clinical Psychologists are encouraged to engage in regular supervision and must attend training to contribute to their continued professional development.
  • They do not and cannot prescribe medication.

You will find Clinical Psychologists practicing in different areas, including:

  • Child mental health
  • Adult mental health
  • Adoption and Childrens Services
  • Looked After services
  • University and research institutions
  • Neuropsychology and brain injury
  • Learning disabilities
  • Forensic 
  • Addiction
  • Sexual health
  • Schools and education
  • Corporate or business

It typically takes at least 8 years from the start of an undergraduate degree to train to become a Clinical Psychologist. As such, Clinical Psychologists are usually deeply committed to the profession of psychology and passionate to assist those who are experiencing distress.

To find out more about Clinical Psychologists, or the role of Clinical Psychology, visit: https://acpuk.org.uk/useful-information/ and  https://www.bps.org.uk.