Clinical psychologist
Help people with mental and emotional difficulties make positive changes in their thinking and behaviour.
About the job
What it's like
As a clinical psychologist, you'll help people make sense of their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Your work will give clients the tools they need to make positive changes in their life!
You'll meet with people who are experiencing psychological difficulties. These could include anxiety, depression, phobias or eating disorders.
Clinical psychologists listen to people and support them to understand their thoughts and actions. You'll use a combination of therapy, counselling and advice to help clients overcome distress. Failing this, you'll show them how to live with and manage their problems.
In this role, you'll work closely with other medical professionals – such as doctors and probation officers, to achieve specific goals for your client. For example, you might help an ex-offender with rehabilitation so they can successfully join the community. Alternatively, you may provide specialised counselling and support for carers.
As you develop your career, you could specialise in a certain area. Many clinical psychologists focus solely on children, young offenders or older adults. You'll also have opportunities to become a principal clinical psychologist, move into clinical management or transition into lecturing.
Clinical psychologists are found in the National Health Service (NHS) or the private sector.
Your tasks might include:
assessing people's needs through interviews, psychometric tests and observations
deciding on the most appropriate form of treatment
planning a treatment programme and working with clients in groups or one-to-one
writing reports about your cases and explaining your approach at case conferences with colleagues
researching areas of psychology, or a specific mental health condition, then publishing your findings
producing legal reports and acting as an expert witness in court – you'll do this once you're an experienced practitioner
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
British Psychological Society – find more information about psychology careers and learn everything you need to know about accredited training courses
Health and Care Professions Council – check out the organisation that regulates those who work in health, psychological and social work
Disclosure Scotland – learn about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme
NHS Scotland Careers – discover how to become a clinical psychologist
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Clinical psychologist'
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- making decisions
- time management
- developing a plan
- social conscience
- empathising
- observation
- written communication
- verbal communication
- listening
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Biology
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Care
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Chemistry
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Childcare and Development
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Human Biology
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Psychology
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services Children and Young People
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Every clinical psychologist in the United Kingdom must study a degree that's recognised for the "Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership " by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
University
There are two steps you'll take towards becoming a qualified clinical psychologist.
1. A Psychology degree that's approved by the BPS. If you have a different degree, you can complete a conversion course that covers the fundamental psychology knowledge.
2. A Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. This course must also be BPS-approved.
Use the My World of Work course search to find degrees across Scotland.
Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP)
Are you an adult who doesn't have the qualifications you need to go to university? You may be able to use the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) to kickstart your psychology career.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you progress to a Psychology degree. Useful subjects include:
Social Sciences
Counselling
Health and Social Care
Childhood Practice
Social Care
Got experience working as a care support worker, healthcare assistant or assistant psychologist? The skills you'll have developed working with people who have mental health needs is extremely valuable.
Volunteering in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a clinical psychologist. Use Volunteer Scotland to search for opportunities with helplines, charities or community groups where you'll develop your listening skills.
All clinical psychologists must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
You'll need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, run by Disclosure Scotland.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Clinical psychologist'
