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Clinical Psychologist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A Clinical Psychologist, or Psychotherapist is a mental health professional who diagnoses and provides treatment for mental, behavioural and emotional illnesses. Their duties include assessing the patient’s needs and behaviour, developing and administering the right treatment and providing advice to Carers.

Clinical Psychologist duties and responsibilities

The primary responsibility of a Clinical Psychologist is to work with clients to formulate programmes of treatment based on the client’s needs. They must also monitor the client on a regular basis to ensure that their needs are met. Their day-to-day duties and responsibilities include: 

  • Identifying a patient’s psychological, emotional and behavioural problems
  • Developing and implementing treatment plans and therapeutic processes for patients
  • Helping patients define plans and goals to achieve personal, educational and social development and adjustment
  • Monitoring the progress of patients through meetings and sessions
  • Helping clients make positive progress in their lives and providing support and advice to Carers
  • Conducting scientific research of behaviour and brain function to determine better treatments
  • Testing for patient patterns that can help understand and predict behaviour
  • Developing and implementing clinical research programmes

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Clinical Psychologist Job Description Examples:

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What does a Clinical Psychologist do? 

A Clinical Psychologist deals with a wide range of mental and psychological health problems including depression, addiction, anxiety, difficulty learning and relationship issues. They use psychological therapies and procedures to help patients overcome these problems.

Clinical Psychologists often work in a variety of settings including schools, prisons, research institutions and universities and in private practice. They can meet with clients in different locations to identify the problems in their lives. Their top methods of diagnosing psychological problems are through observations, interviews and tests.

Clinical Psychologist skills and qualifications

Clinical Psychologists have excellent interpersonal skills and are able to interact well with other people and nurture good relationships. They should also be active listeners with great empathetic skills. A successful Clinical Psychologist will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include: 

  • Excellent problem-solving and motivational skills
  • Good observation skills and ability to interpret body languages
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to create clear and concise reports
  • Ability to explain complex issues to people with little or no special knowledge
  • Excellent patience and empathetic skills
  • Strong interests in healthcare, science and mental health
  • In-depth knowledge of psychology theory and practice
  • Desire to understand how people think and behave

Clinical Psychologist experience requirements

Clinical Psychologists often require relevant experience in clinical psychology, care assistance, assistant psychology or other clinical-related industries. Candidates with work experience in mental health in the NHS or social services often transfer into clinical psychology. Employers often require candidates to have experience working with people who have physical and mental disabilities under the supervision of qualified Clinical Psychologists.

Clinical Psychologist education and training requirements

Clinical Psychologists need a bachelor’s degree accredited by the British Psychological Society and at least three years of postgraduate study. Candidates sponsored and trained by the NHS often receive extra training, which combines academic and practical work, including clinical placements and research. After completing their postgraduate education, candidates must register with the Health and Care Professional Council to practise in the NHS.

Clinical Psychologist salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Clinical Psychologist in the UK is £47,395 per year. Individual salaries vary based on factors like experience, education, location and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Clinical Psychologist is not quite what you’re looking for, here are other job description samples that may fit your needs:

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Clinical Psychologist job description FAQs

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