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You’ll need an honours degree in psychology to become a member of the Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society which allows you to apply for post graduate courses in clinical psychology. You could also be a clinical associate in psychology (CAP), a mental health professional who provides psychologically informed interventions under the supervision of a fully qualified clinical psychologist.

Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. While training, clinical psychologists will be paid at band 6 and after completing their training, they will be paid at band 7. Clinical psychologists in the NHS work full or part time. Terms and conditions can vary for employers outside of the NHS.

On a daily basis you will use a broad range of skills, including a thorough knowledge of psychological theory and practice, an interest in how people think and behave and the ability to relate to a wide range of people including patients and colleagues.You'll need to be a patient, sympathetic and the ability to work on your own and in consultation with others.

Clinical psychologists work in health and social care settings including hospitals, health centres, community mental health teams, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and social services. They often work as part of a team with other health professionals and practitioners. Most clinical psychologists are employed by the NHS, but some work in private practice. You could specialise (for example in clinical neuropsychology), apply for a supervisory or managerial role, go into research, or undertake further training to be a family and systemic psychotherapist.

All PWPs will complete an accredited IAPT training course. The courses typically consist of 45 days of academic work (one day per week) and four days supervised practice, usually distributed over an academic year. A level 6 apprenticeship standard for psychological wellbeing practitioners has also been approved for delivery. Whilst in training PWPs are employed by a local NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression service. The PWP training is open to people with a range of experience. Those with a degree will typically undertake a postgraduate certificate and those without a degree will normally undertake an equivalent graduate-level qualification. The training courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. This pay system covers all staff except doctors, dentists and the most senior managers. Trainees are appointed at band 4 and will usually work standard hours of 37.5 per week. Once qualified as a PWP, you would usually progress to a band 5 position. Terms and conditions can vary for employers outside of the NHS.

Experience of working with people with mental health problems is desirable, excellent interpersonal skills are essential. If you're applying for a role either directly in the NHS or in an organisation that provides NHS services, you'll be asked to show how you think the values of the NHS Constitution apply in your everyday work. The same will be true if you are applying for a university course funded by the NHS.

As a qualified and experienced PWP you can apply for more senior posts at band 6, with additional management and specialist responsibilities. You could further your career by undertaking CBT training.