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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?

The British Psychological Society does not have a list of every psychologist working in the UK. However, we do operate a Directory of Chartered Psychologists which gives details of psychologists who offer their services to the public and have achieved Chartered Status, a benchmark of professional recognition reflecting the highest standards of knowledge and expertise.

In addition, seven areas of psychology (Clinical, Counselling, Educational, Forensic, Health, Occupational and Sport and Exercise Psychology) are regulated by the Health Professional Council (HPC) and it is necessary for psychologists to be registered with the HPC to practise in the UK using any of these titles or two recognised generic titles (practitioner psychologist and registered psychologist). The HPC have an online register that you can search to find out if a particular practitioner psychologist is registered with them.

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 psychologists 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?

Seven areas of psychology (Clinical, Counselling, Educational, Forensic, Health, Occupational and Sport and Exercise Psychology) are regulated by the Health Professional Council (HPC) and it is necessary for psychologists to be registered with the HPC to practise in the UK under any of these titles or two recognised generic titles (practitioner psychologist and registered psychologist). The HPC have a formal complaints procedure which you can use if you would like to make a complaint against a practitioner psychologist working in any of these areas.

In addition to this, members of the British Psychological Society have to adhere to a set of Member Conduct Rules and the Society has a procedure for determining whether a member has breached these rules. However, the British Psychological Society is unable to determine fitness to practise allegations.

Please see Making a Complaint Against a Psychologist for more information and a complaint form.

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