What is a Health Psychologist?
Health Psychologists use their knowledge of psychology and health to promote general well-being and understand physical illness. They are specifically trained to help people deal with the psychological and emotional aspects of health and illness as well as supporting people to manage chronic health conditions. Training includes an undergraduate degree in psychology, an MSc in Health Psychology and at least two years of professional training in relevant clinical and/or research practice.
What is a Clinical Psychologist?
Clinical Psychologists work with people experiencing emotional difficulties including anxiety, depression and other difficult emotional responses to challenges in life. Training includes an undergraduate degree in psychology, relevant clinical and/or research experience, and a three-year Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
Clinical psychologists working in the speciality of Clinical Health Psychology have additional specialist knowledge and expertise in working with people whose emotional difficulties relate to problems with their health.
Unlike Psychiatrists, Clinical and Health Psychologists are not trained as medical doctors and do not prescribe medication.
What is the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)?
The HCPC was set up to protect the public. It is an independent, UK-wide regulatory body responsible for setting and maintaining standards of professional training, performance and conduct of the 16 healthcare professions that it regulates.
The HCPC keep a register of all health and care professionals who meet their standards, including Practitioner Psychologists (including Clinical Psychologists and Health Psychologists).
It is an independent, UK-wide regulatory body responsible for setting and maintaining standards of professional training, performance and conduct of the 16 healthcare professions that it regulates.
What is the British Psychological Society (BPS)?
The BPS is a registered charity that acts as the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK. It is responsible for the promotion of excellence and ethical practice in the science, education, and application of the discipline.
