A Career as a Clinical Psychologist
Introduction
Findings from a study by Maynooth University found that over 40% of Irish adults have a mental health disorder. Clinical psychologists play a significant role in supporting people through these challenges by helping them manage and overcome psychological difficulties.
Psychology is defined as the study of the human mind to understand and improve their thoughts and behaviours. Many people are drawn to the profession based on a personal interest in the brain and a genuine empathy to help others. A career in clinical psychology is rarely linear with people entering from a diverse range of career backgrounds.
Within the HSE there are three main areas of specialism:
- Clinical Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Counselling Psychology
To work in clinical practice, psychologists must complete supervised clinical placements which are a key part of their doctoral training programme.
If you’re considering a career in psychology, you might be wondering: what does a clinical psychologist do, how much do they earn in Ireland, and what qualifications do I need to become one? This blog serves as a guide to answer those questions.
What is Clinical Psychology?
Clinical psychology focuses on the assesment, diagnoses and treatment of mental emotional and behavioural disorders.
They work with children, adolescents, and adults in settings such as:
- Hospitals and mental health services
- Child and adult learning disability services
- Community clinics
- Private practice
- Primary Care
What does a clinical psychologist do daily?
Clinical psychologists take on a wide variety of responsibilities often working in multidisciplinary teams. Their daily tasks are not limited to but can include the following:
- Psychological assessments
- Consultancy and multidisciplinary teamwork
- Support for psychiatric, developmental, or behavioural issues
Career progression
A career in psychology typically develops step by step with opportunities for advancement at every stage:
- Assistant Psychologist
- Trainee Clinical Psychologist
- Staff Grade Psychologist
- Senior Psychologist
- Principal Psychologist
- Director of Psychology
Education & Training Requirements
Step 1: Undergraduate Training
- Complete a psychology degree accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).
- If your undergraduate degree is in another subject, you can complete a Psychology Conversion Course accredited by the PSI.
Step 2: Doctoral Training
- Apply for a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology.
- In Ireland, the HSE runs a 3-year Clinical Psychology Training Programme in partnership with select universities.
Step 3: Professional Registration
On completion of your studies and placements you can register and practice as qualified clinical psychologists in Ireland.
Career Progression & Opportunities
Once qualified, you can choose from a range of career pathways in the HSE and beyond.
Clinical Pathway
- Clinical Psychologist
- Senior Clinical Psychologist
- Principal Psychologist
Clinical Management Pathway
- Principal Psychologist (Manager)
- Director of Psychology
Outside of HSE opportunities exist in:
- Private practice, universities, and research roles.
- Charities & non-profit organisations
Clinical Psychologists Who Have Studied Abroad
If you are a clinical psychologist who would like to work within the HSE in Ireland, you must have your qualifications recognised. Since the process can take some time, it is recommended you do it as early as possible.
If there is no professional body or official regulator available for your qualification you can use the NARIC Ireland. It lets you download a comparability statement. This statement compares your qualification to the Irish National Framework of Qualifications award types and levels. It helps employers understand the equivalence of your qualification to the Irish system.
Clinical Psychologist Salary Ireland
Your salary depends on your experience, role (clinical vs management), and location as of the most up to date payscales psychologists earn between €61,362 – €105,050. If you choose to undertake a career in the HSE you can access payscales here.
Key Takeaways
Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of mental and behavioural difficulties in a range of clients. The journey to qualification typically takes around seven to eight years between academic study and clinical training, leading to rewarding career opportunities in a diverse range of settings. If you are a psychologist at any level of your career you can explore current opportunities available at Medforce.
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