How to Become a Clinical Psychologist in the UK
Clinical psychologists assess and treat people with mental health problems, learning disabilities, brain injuries and long-term health conditions. You might run psychological assessments, deliver therapy, supervise other staff and advise multidisciplinary teams in NHS hospitals, community mental health teams, CAMHS or private practice.
The route is long and competitive. You need a psychology degree accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), usually one to three years of relevant paid experience, and a place on a three-year Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy). You must then register with the HCPC before you can use the title.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £47,810 (NHS Band 7)
- Mid-career salary
- £55,000 - £75,000
- Senior salary
- £85,000 - £115,000
- Work environment
- Hospital, clinic or community setting
- Time to entry
- 6 - 8 years (DClinPsy)
- Degree required
- Required (DClinPsy)
- Category
- Healthcare and Care
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What a Clinical Psychologist does
Use psychology to assess and treat people with mental health conditions in NHS and private settings.
- Adult Mental Health - Therapy and assessment in adult mental health teams.
- CAMHS - Therapy with children and adolescents.
- Neuropsychology - Cognitive assessment after brain injury or dementia.
- Health Psychology in Hospitals - Therapy for patients with long-term conditions.
How to become a clinical psychologist in the UK
Start with a BPS-accredited psychology degree, or an accredited conversion course if your first degree is in another subject, so you gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). Then build clinical experience as an assistant psychologist, psychological wellbeing practitioner, research assistant or healthcare assistant in mental health services. Apply for the DClinPsy through the Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology. In England, trainees are usually employed by the NHS on a salary with course fees paid. After qualifying, register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a practitioner psychologist. Clinical psychologist is a protected title.
- Complete a BPS-accredited psychology degree, aiming for a 2:1 or above, or take an accredited conversion master's if your first degree is in another subject.
- Get paid experience in mental health or learning disability services, for example as a support worker, healthcare assistant or psychological wellbeing practitioner.
- Apply for assistant psychologist or research assistant posts on NHS Jobs, where you work under a qualified psychologist and learn assessment and formulation.
- Apply for the three-year DClinPsy through the Clearing House, preparing for each course's selection tests and interviews, which vary between universities.
- Complete supervised clinical placements during training across different client groups, such as adults, children and young people, learning disabilities and older adults, plus a doctoral research thesis.
- Register with the HCPC as a practitioner psychologist once you qualify, then apply for Band 7 clinical psychologist posts in the NHS.
- Choose a specialism such as neuropsychology, CAMHS or health psychology in hospitals, and take further supervised training to progress to Band 8 roles.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology degree, assistant post, then DClinPsy | 6-8 years | Tuition fee loan, then salaried NHS training | School leavers set on clinical work |
| Conversion master's, experience, then DClinPsy | 5-7 years | Postgraduate fees for the conversion | Graduates in other subjects |
| PWP or support worker role first | 1-3 years before applying | Paid roles | Building the experience courses look for |
How long it takes
Expect six to eight years from starting a psychology degree to qualifying: three years of degree, often one to three years of experience, then the three-year DClinPsy.
Clinical Psychologist salary in the UK
Newly qualified clinical psychologists usually start on NHS Agenda for Change Band 7, from £47,810. NHS rates rise most years, so check the current pay scales. With experience and Band 8a or 8b posts you can expect around £55,000 to £75,000. Consultant and head of service roles at Band 8c and above, or an established private practice, pay roughly £85,000 to £115,000. London weighting, your specialism and private work drive the differences.
Key skills
- Therapy models
- Assessment
- Empathy
- Reflective practice
- Supervision
Clinical Psychologist FAQs
How do I become a clinical psychologist in the UK?
Get a BPS-accredited psychology degree, build relevant experience such as an assistant psychologist role, then complete the three-year Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy). Once qualified, you must register with the HCPC before you can practise as a clinical psychologist.
Do I need a doctorate to be a clinical psychologist?
Yes. In the UK the qualification that leads to HCPC registration as a clinical psychologist is the DClinPsy, a three-year doctorate. A psychology degree or master's lets you work as an assistant psychologist or psychological wellbeing practitioner, but not as a clinical psychologist.
How much does a clinical psychologist earn in the UK?
Qualified clinical psychologists typically start on NHS Band 7 from £47,810. Mid-career pay is around £55,000 to £75,000 at Band 8a and 8b, and senior or consultant roles, including private practice, reach about £85,000 to £115,000.
Are trainee clinical psychologists paid?
In England, most DClinPsy places are funded posts: you are employed by an NHS trust on a trainee salary, usually Band 6, and your course fees are paid. Arrangements differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and some self-funded places exist, so check each course.
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