It takes a minimum of 6 years of formal training to achieve qualification as a Clinical Psychologist including an undergraduate degree (BSc) in Psychology and a Doctorate (DClinPsych) in Clinical Psychology, each of which is a 3 year course.

Gaining a place on a Clinical Psychology training after undergraduate study is highly competitive and the Doctorate training itself once undertaken is rigorous in its format and level of evaluation, including NHS/clinical placements, academic requirements and examinations and doctorate level research.

Many Clinical Psychologists go on to engage in further therapeutic or other training at post-doctoral level and develop specialisms beyond this, hence have a wide range of skills and expertise to offer.

People often look for a Clinical Psychologist when they want the reassurance of a high quality and effective approach or if they have tried counselling in the past but have found they continue to struggle with the same issues, feeling that they have not yet got to the root of the problem or have not been able to translate this into positive change and personal growth.

Psychologists will use evidence based therapies and have a broad but in depth clinical training enabling them to choose the right approach for each individual.

Clinical Psychologists are legally governed by the HCPC (Health Care and Professionals Council) and this means that to practice they need to continue training throughout their career, keep records of this and submit to rigorous auditing procedures.

Clinical Psychologists also abide to ethical and professional guidelines set by the HCPC and also our Psychology body the BPS (British Psychological Society) and are obliged to have regular supervision of their practice.

You can be reassured therefore that the services you access have high quality assurance and are accountable to various bodies to ensure safe and ethical practice. You can check the credentials of your Psychologist here