What is a Clinical Psychologist?
A Clinical Psychologist is a healthcare professional trained to reduce psychological, and emotional distress in people of all ages Clinical psychologist | Health Careers. If you have ever experienced anxiety, anger or sadness, you will know that these emotions are normal, but that when they become overwhelming, they can impact your day-to-day life. A Clinical Psychologist supports emotional wellbeing through understanding how people think, feel, and behave.
All practising clinical psychologists must be registered with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) | The HCPC.
Clinical Psychologists are trained to Doctoral level in Clinical Psychology, and must have completed a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited undergraduate degree course, followed by a full-time professional training course and clinical placements within NHS mental health services, leading to a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
This training comprises robust academic, research and clinical training and experience. They are Drs, but not medical doctors, and do not prescribe medication.
Clinical psychologists maintain their knowledge and skills through continued professional development (CPD), which is audited through the HCPC, and undergo regular monthly supervision of clinical practice by other clinical psychologists.
Clinical Psychologists are trained to work with people across the life span, although most will go on to specialise in a specific field. They are highly experienced in assessing, treating, and supporting people of all ages in managing and understanding a range of emotional difficulties.
The assessment and treatment methods used by clinical psychologists are evidence based through scientifically validated research, guided by NICE Guidelines for mental health conditions . Mental health guidelines | Hub | NICE. These treatments involve talking together to explore and understand what has happened before, how that affects you now, what keeps the problem going, and what can help you cope.
There are some therapy names you might recognise, such as Cognitive Behavioural (CBT), EMDR, or Interpersonal Psychotherapy. The most important part of therapy is the relationship developed between you and your clinical psychologist, because change happens when you feel safe and comfortable and can reflect on and share the things which are confusing, distressing, or difficult.
