First things first, what is mental health support?
Mental health support services are specialised services to help you with mental health problems of any shape or size.
What are the different types and when should I use them?
Knowing which type of mental health support service to use can be tricky. You might be looking for something for yourself or want to help out a friend. We’ve broken down the main types of support services to help you understand what’s out there!
Types of support in the UK
- Psychological wellbeing practitioner
- Trained to assess and support people with anxiety and depression
- Trained to administer low-intensity, evidence-based interventions to help individuals with the self-management of their recovery
- Don’t require a degree in psychology
- Clinical associate in psychology
- Duties include assessing, formulating and treating clients within specified range of conditions and age (children, adult, family settings)
- Only trained and able to work in one area of practice
- Required to work under the supervision of a fully qualified practitioner psychologist
- Require a BPS-accredited undergraduate degree in psychology followed by an 18 month Clinical Associate in Psychology integrated apprenticeship (CAP-level 7 training course)
- Clinical psychologist
- Deal with a wide range of mental and physical health problems including addiction, anxiety, depression, learning difficulties and relationship issues
- Trained in clinical assessments, psychometric tests, and evidence-based treatment
- Involved in training/supervising other staff and undertaking research
- Requires a BPS-accredited undergraduate degree in psychology and a 3-year doctorate in clinical psychology (or equivalent)
- Counselling psychologist
- Deals with a wide range of mental health problems (life issues) including bereavement, domestic violence, sexual abuse, traumas and relationship issues
- Works to empower recovery and alleviate stress
- Requires a BPS-accredited undergraduate degree in psychology and a 3-year doctorate in clinical psychology (or equivalent)
- Doctorate includes at least 450 hours of supervised counselling practice
- Required to receive personal therapy during training
What is the difference between clinical and counselling psychologists?
- Clinical psychologists receive more training on issues relating to serious mental health issues, whereas counselling psychologists receive more training on patient-centered theoretical approaches to care.
- Both require an undergraduate degree and doctorate in psychology!
Want more info? Check out these helpful resources:
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