Careers Videos
What Do Psychologists Do?- Types of Psychologists
- Accreditation and Accredited Psychology Courses
- Society Qualifications
- Careers in Psychology - GCSE, A Level and Equivalents
- Careers in Psychology - Undergraduate
- Careers in Psychology - Postgraduate
- Careers in Psychology - A Change of Career
- Careers Resources
- Research Resources
- Careers FAQs
- Request Further Information
- Careers Articles
|
|
Types of PsychologistsThere are several areas of psychology in which it is possible to become a Chartered Psychologist and these are the areas that the British Psychological Society recognises as the main types of psychologist listed below.
Clinical psychologistsClinical psychologists aim to reduce psychological distress and to enhance and promote psychological well-being. They deal with mental and physical health problems including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, addictions and relationships. Clinical psychologists deal with both adults and children, so if you are thinking of becoming a 'child psychologist' you may well want to specialise in clinical psychology.Further information
Counselling psychologistsCounselling psychologists work with clients to examine mental health issues and explore the underlying problems that may have caused them. They work across a diverse range of human problems, such as bereavement, past and present relationships, mental health issues and disorders. If you interested in examining the wider causes of a particular problem or condition, counselling psychology may be for you.Further informationEducational psychologistsEducational psychologists apply psychology to helping children and young people and most work within the local education authority system. They deal with difficulties in learning and social adjustment, so if you are thinking of becoming a 'child psychologist' then educational psychology may be for you. Further informationForensic psychologistsForensic psychologists deal with psychological aspects of legal processes, including applying theory to criminal investigations, understanding psychological problems associated with criminal behaviour, and the treatment of criminals. Forensic psychologists are often referred to as a 'criminal psychologist', 'legal psychologist' or 'criminologist'. Further informationHealth psychologistsHealth psychologists work in a relatively new field where psychological principles are used to promote changes in people’s attitudes, behaviour and thinking about health and illness. They deal with topics such as quitting smoking, skin care in the sun or promoting safer-sex. The aim is promote good health and prevent illness.Further informationNeuropsychologistsNeuropsychologists look at the relationship between the brain and neuropsychological function. This means neuropsychologists deal with things related to the brain, such as vision, memory, smell, and taste, or on the biological basis for conditions like depression. Psychologists within this field also help with assessment and rehabilitation of people with brain injury or other neurological disease such as strokes, dementia, tumours and degenerative brain diseases.Further informationOccupational psychologistsOccupational psychologists help an organisation to get the best from its workforce and improve the job satisfaction of the individual. By applying psychological expertise, they work to increase the organisation’s effectiveness and improve the career development of employees. This can involve topics such as how to motivate staff, recruit the best people for the job or help individuals gain new skills, plan careers, or cope with redundancy. Occupational psychologists may also design or use psychometric tests, as a way of measuring people’s suitability for a particular role.Further informationSport and exercise psychologistsSport psychologists work with sports participants across a range of both team and individual sports and from amateur to elite levels of competition. An exercise psychologist is primarily concerned with the application of psychology to increase exercise participation and motivational levels in the general public. Some experts work in both fields.Further informationTeachers and researchers in psychologyProfessionals can also be a teacher or researcher in psychology, although usually the two go hand in hand. Teaching staff may have qualified in one of the applied psychological professions or be specialists in a research area. They will be involved in teaching and conducting research in an academic institute and may also combine this work with their role as a practitioner. Further informationAbout the Health Professions CouncilSeven of the above areas of psychology are also regulated
by the Health Professional Council (HPC)
and it is necessary to be registered with the HPC to practise in the UK
under any of these titles: Clinical, Counselling, Educational,
Forensic, Health,
Occupational and Sport and Exercise Psychology.
Other types of psychologistSometimes you may hear someone referred to as another type of psychologist not mentioned on this page such as child psychologist, social psychologist, cognitive psychologist, consumer psychologist or animal psychologist, but these terms are not specifically recognised by the Society or the HPC. Mostly, people who are described by one of these terms will have trained as a Psychologist in a more general area and then specialised in one of these more specific areas. However, there is no currently law to prevent anyone from calling themselves a psychologist, so if you would like to check if someone has appropriate qualifications, please consult the HPC register or the Society's List of Chartered Psychologists.
Related fieldsThere are several fields and professions related to psychology such as psychotherapy, psychiatry and counselling that people sometimes confuse with psychology. However, although these have many similarities to psychology they are mostly separate professions with different qualifications.Where next?
|
© Copyright 2000-2010 The British Psychological Society
The British Psychological Society is a charity registered in England and Wales, Registration Number : 229642 and a charity registered in Scotland, Registration Number : SC039452 - VAT Registration Number : 240 3937 76