Types of Psychologists

There are nine areas of psychology in which it is possible to become a Chartered Psychologist:

• Clinical psychology
• Counselling psychology
• Educational psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Health psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Occupational psychology
• Sport and exercise psychology
• Teachers and Researchers in Psychology

Other types of psychologist

Seven of the above areas of psychology are regulated by the Health Professional Council (HPC). To practise in the UK under any of these titles: Clinical, Counselling, Educational, Forensic, Health, Occupational, and Sport and Exercise Psychology, it is necessary to be registered with the HPC.

Sometimes you may hear someone referred to as another type of psychologist not mentioned above such as child psychologist, business psychologist, consumer psychologist or animal psychologist. These terms are not specifically recognised by the Health Professions Council.

Related fields

There are several fields and professions related to psychology such as psychotherapy, psychiatry and counselling that people sometimes confuse with psychology. Although these have many similarities to psychology they are mostly separate professions with different qualifications. For more information, go to our psychological terms page.