When choosing a therapist many clients report confusion about the different professions that offer support for mental health. To help with this, we've included an outline of the role and the training required for our profession, clinical psychology, and for the other main mental health professions.
Clinical psychologists assess and treat mental health conditions, emotional difficulties, and behavioural problems using evidence-based therapies. They work in hospitals, community services, and private practice, often dealing with complex psychological issues. Their practice is grounded in scientific research and they often carry out their own research.
Training: Individuals need a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited undergraduate psychology degree (3 years) followed by relevant work experience (typically 1-2 years working full-time). The majority also complete a postgraduate degree at Masters level degree (1-2 years) or PhD level (3 years). Finally, they complete a full-time Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (3 years) that includes clinical placements and research.
Upon completing their training, clinical psychologists receive the title of 'Doctor'; however, they are not medical doctors, have not been trained in physical health, and are not qualified to prescribe medication.
Counsellors provide a safe, confidential space for clients to talk about emotional difficulties, including stress, grief, and relationship problems. They emphasise the role of listening and focus on supporting personal growth and well-being.
Training: Training to become a counsellor typically involves completing a diploma or degree in counselling accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). Both organisations require individuals to complete 450 hours tutor contact within a part-time course lasting a minimum of 3 years. Additional time is spent on supervised practice.
Psychotherapists work with individuals, couples, or groups to address deep-seated psychological difficulties. Their training and approach have many similarities with counsellors but typically there is more of an emphasis on in-depth work with long-term mental health concerns.
Training: Accreditation to become a psychotherapist takes a minimum of 4 years part-time with 450-500 hours of tutor contact forming a diploma or degree (BACP or UKCP). The additional year compared to counselling training includes the increased supervised practice with clients that is required.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Although qualified to provide individual psychological therapy they typically focus on assessment and prescription of medication. They work in hospitals, mental health services, and private practice, often managing severe psychiatric disorders.
Training: Becoming a psychiatrist requires completing a medical degree (5 years), followed by two foundation years as a junior doctor (2 years). They then undertake specialist psychiatric training through the Royal College of Psychiatrists (6 years), culminating in membership exams (MRCPsych) and consultant-level qualifications.
Mental health nurses provide care and support for individuals with a range of mental health conditions in hospitals, community settings, and crisis teams. They administer medication, deliver therapy, and collaborate with other professionals to manage patient care.
Training: Becoming a mental health nurse typically takes 3 years. It requires completing a degree in mental health nursing accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which includes both academic learning and practical placements.
PWPs work within NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services, delivering low-intensity psychological interventions, often using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to help people manage common mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Training: Becoming a PWP takes around 1 year. It requires a degree in psychology or a related field, followed by a PWP training course accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which includes supervised clinical practice.
Coaches help individuals improve personal and professional development, focusing on goal-setting, motivation, and performance enhancement. Unlike therapists, coaches do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
Training: There is no single standard route to becoming a coach, but many complete accredited coaching qualifications from organisations such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or the Association for Coaching (AC). Training can take a few months to several years, depending on the course and level of specialisation.
