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FAQs About Psychology

Contents:

• What is psychology?
• What do psychologists do?
• What is the British Psychological Society?
• I think I might need psychological help, what should I do?
• What should I do if I am worried about a relative or friend’s mental health?
• What kind of psychologist will be working with me?
• What can I expect from psychological treatment?
• Do you have a list of all psychologists working in the UK?
• How can I see a psychologist privately?
• How can I make a complaint against a psychologist?
• What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist, counsellor or psychotherapist?
• I am interested in becoming a psychologist, what should I do?
• I haven't found the answers I was hoping for. What should I do?
• Other FAQs
  

What is psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of people, the mind and behaviour. It is both a thriving academic discipline and a vital professional practice. Learn more about psychology.

What do psychologists do?

Psychologists learn the scientific basis of human behaviour. This is then used by applied/practising psychologists (those dealing with clients) and other professionals in almost every setting. Psychologists work all around you and there are different types of psychologists.

What is the British Psychological Society?

The British Psychological Society is the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the United Kingdom. It oversees psychology and psychologists, and has responsibility for the development, promotion and application of pure and applied psychology for the public good. Learn more about the Society.

I think I might need psychological help, what should I do?

If you feel you may need help for a mental health problem then please visit your General Practitioner (GP) in the first instance. If you would like to see a psychologist for another issue you can find qualified psychologists on our Directory of Chartered Psychologists.

What should I do if I am worried about a relative or friend’s mental health?

You should encourage them to go and see their GP. If they are reluctant to seek help then there are other organisations, such as The Samaritans that run help lines to offer advice, information and support.

What kind of psychologist will be working with me?

You will be referred to a psychologist who specialises in the area of psychology most appropriate for you. The area of psychology will dictate the type of psychologist you might see.

What can I expect from psychological treatment?

This will vary depending on what you are receiving help for and the type of psychologist treating you. It may help to read about a personal experience of therapy as published in the Society/Top Sante's supplement, Happy New You.

What no-one tells you about therapy

Do you have a list of all psychologists working in the UK?

Psychologists are allowed to practise without having to be a member of the Society so we do not have a list of every psychologist working in the UK. However, we do operate a Directory of Chartered Psychologists. To be in the Directory a psychologist must show that they have a high level of qualifications and expertise in their area of psychology.

How can I see a psychologist privately?

The Directory of Chartered Psychologists provides information on psychologists the public can contact. If you see a psychologist privately then you will have to pay a fee. The Society does not issue guidance on how much psychologist’s should charge in private practice but many psychologists will alter fees in light of your ability to pay.

How can I make a complaint against a psychologist?

Usually we can only investigate a complaint about members of the Society or someone who is not a member of the Society but is describing themselves as being a member. If you want to complain about someone who is employed (for example by the NHS or a university), whether or not they are a member of the Society, you might be able to use the employer's complaints procedure. Find out more about making a complaint.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist, counsellor or psychotherapist?

All of these professions are interested in mental health but it is their approaches which make them different. Psychologists have observed and measured human behaviour scientifically and have produced models and therapies based on this knowledge. Learn more about related fields and professions.

I am interested in becoming a psychologist, what should I do?

This depends on what stage of your education or your career you are at. Visit the careers area of the website for further information.

I haven't found the answers I was hoping for. What should I do?

Other FAQs