Different Types Of Psychologists

Within psychology and its practice there are various types of psychology with each type of psychologist seeing a variety of patients and clients. Each type of psychologist fulfils a different function within the world of psychology, to deal with different ages groups, problems and so on. The qualifications and required levels of higher-education vary depending on the job title. Some types of psychologists are required to have PhD and others, just a BA or BSc in a psychology or closely related subjects.

For a clearer view, let us go through the (major) types of psychologist; what they do, how you become said type, qualifications and education and who their employers are.

Educational Psychologists

Educational psychologists are dedicated to helping children and young people, between the ages of ten and nineteen, experiencing problems that may be hindering their learning, participation in school and social activities. These educational problems may stem from emotional or social problems, or learning difficulties. As well as working with children, a educational psychologist works in partnership with teachers and other authority figures in education, parents, doctors and social workers. There are lots of opportunities for educational psychologist at current, with most schools choosing to employ one. Other employers include the NHS colleges, nurseries and special units.

Their work may include:

• Providing in-service training for teachers and other professionals in the education sector
• Assessing learning and emotional needs of children at education level
• Developing projects for children and young people, and further projects for parents and teachers etc
• Writing reports to make formal recommendations for patients
• Liaising with parents, teachers and educational authorities
• Interviewing and observing the behaviour of children and young people

To become an educational psychologist and undergraduate degree in psychology (BA or BSc) is required. If you do not have a psychology degree, you can do a BPS accredited conversion course after completing a different degree. A BPS accredited doctorate in educational psychology is necessary to become an educational psychologist. To get onto the doctorate degree, you will usually need a 2:1 or above, or a 2:2 or above with a masters, and have completed relevant work experience.

Clinical Psychologists

Clinical psychologist are licenced and qualified professions who offer direct service to patients.

Their work may include:

• Diagnosing mental illness
• Interpreting personality and cognitive tests
• Creating treatment plans
• Conducting psychotherapy
• Interview and Observe behaviour

Clinical psychology aims to understand how certain conditions manifest themselves across diverse populations, in order to help individuals.

Clinical psychology is an extremely competitive field. The level education requires is high; they must have a PhD or a PsyD. A PsyD focusses on practice, whereas a PhD has more focus on the academic side; a PhD requires the completion of a thesis, a PsyD does not and is therefore shorter. PsyD students often graduate with more debt than a PhD student. PhD students usually rely on receiving funding for carrying out their research. As part of a clinical psychologists doctoral degree, they would have typically had to have completed a formal ‘year in industry’ before they could graduate.

You must also register with the Health and Care Professions Council, if you wish to work and practice in the NHS. Most clinical psychologists are employed by the NHS, but some work in private practices. Clinical psychologist largely work within hospitals, mental health centres, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and social services. Team work is usually central to clinical psychology with the psychologists working with other health professionals and practitioners.

Counselling Psychologists

Counselling psychologists work with people to examine their life experiences and investigate the underlying issues which are causing them mental health problems. This is one of the most personal types of psychology, with the psychologist-patient relationship at the heart of the treatment process. This personal relationship benefits both parties as the patient feels as thought they can talk freely, allowing the psychologist to help them, ultimately speeding up the progress.

They deal with a variety of different common mental health problems including (or caused by):

• Depression
• Personality disorders
• Psychosis
• Eating disorders
• Bereavement
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Sexual, emotional and physical abuse
• Domestic violence

Like the other types, you will need a BA or BSc in psychology accredited by the BPS. You will also need relevant work experience to pursue the necessary post-graduation degree, usually a PhD.

Counselling psychologists work with individuals ranging from children, young people and adults of all ages, as well as couples, families and groups at community level. They tend to work within the NHS, but like all other psychologists can choose to work in privately.