Why see a clinical psychologist versus another mental health professional such as a therapist/counsellor?
Clinical psychologists study a broad range of psychological problems including anxiety, depression, learning difficulties and relationship issues at a doctorate level. They are trained to work with individuals of different ages with behavioural, emotional and/or psychological distress which disrupts their everyday functioning and wellbeing. They aim to reduce distress and to enhance and promote psychological well-being.
Clinical psychologists will have undertaken undergraduate level education in psychology and then further study at doctoral level, working as trainee clinical psychologists in the NHS. This enables them to draw on their scientific knowledge and specialist training when providing tailor made interventions to clients. Clinical psychologists may specialise in one type of therapy (as most therapists/counsellors do) but they may also work in an eclectic manner, adapting their psychological interventions to meet the individual needs of their clients.