How long does it take to qualify as a psychologist?

As a minimum, would-be clinical psychologists need to undertake an undergraduate degree [which can take three to four years] followed by three years’ clinical training, says clinical psychologist Dr Tim Smith. He warns that securing a clinical training place often takes two years’ work experience in a related job.

What hours can I expect to work in the mental health sector?

Don’t expect a 9-to-5 job. “The hours are a definite negative,” says clinical psychologist Dr John Duffy, who worked weekends at the start of his career and still tends to work evenings. “It is also tough to establish a working niche that will truly earn you a living, while maintaining a practice on your own.”

I’m interested in changing careers to train as a psychotherapist. What should my first step be?

While assistant psychologist jobs are seen as the traditional route into training they’re not the only way, says Smith. “Any job where you are getting direct contact with people with mental health needs would be relevant. My first step into mental health was volunteering alongside working full-time in an unrelated job.” He advises those looking to break into this career to check out courses that run initiatives such as mentoring people from different backgrounds.

Dr Kevin Morgan, a psychology lecturer for the University of Westminster, believes age is no barrier to changing career.

“I am 53 and have only recently completed training (post-graduate level) in psychotherapy and am very optimistic about being able to work and practice in the years ahead,” he says. “I do have several years’ experience as a teacher and researcher in psychology but I think being older going into psychotherapy and counselling is actually an advantage. I only started my career in psychology in my 30s and have never found my age to work against me.”

What kind of paid job should I seek while training to become a psychologist?

Paid work for pre-professional training is difficult to come by, admits Morgan. “If your background is in psychology, an assistant psychologist post would be ideal.”

He advises job hunters to check out The Psychologist magazine – the journal of the British Psychological Society – and notes that organisations such as SweetTree home care services [provider of community-based services for people with acquired brain injuries and long-term neurological conditions] frequently advertise for posts such as learning disability support worker and brain injury support workers, which tend to be paid roles.

Any advice for boosting my chances of finding an assistant psychologist role?

Keep applying for assistant posts but widen your search, says consultant clinical psychologist Dr Lucy Johnstone, who adds that such roles are more competitive than training places and typically attract about 100 applicants per vacancy.

“Do wangle some direct contact with a clinical psychologist – try writing to your local clinical psychologist department and offer to do filing, shadow someone, attend a few meetings.” She also advises joining the Division of Clinical Psychology pre-qualification group and attending some training days.

Smith advises another tack: look beyond the assistant psychologist roles to related posts that offer lots of clinical contact and a clearer view of the role of a clinical psychologist within the NHS. “Support worker/nursing assistant roles are a good place to look,” he adds.

Any tips for ensuring longevity in the field?

To gain traction in your practice, especially if it is a private practice, it is critical to establish a niche, says Duffy.

“Make sure to vary your work as straight clinical work, hour after hour, will prove unhealthy in the long run. Speak to groups about your specialty and write about it. Adding these elements will also serve to increase the flow of traffic into your practice, regardless of its nature.”

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