Clinical Psychologist
Use psychology to assess and treat people with mental health conditions in NHS and private settings.
This UK clinical psychologist career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £43,742 (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
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
- Look up Clinical Psychologist roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Clinical Psychologist - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Therapy models
- Assessment
- Empathy
- Reflective practice
- Supervision