Careers in Child Psychology

What Is a Child Psychologist?

A child psychologist works with young people to understand their behaviour, emotions and development. They may help children facing difficulties such as anxiety, trauma, learning challenges or behavioural problems. Some also work in research or policy roles focused on child development.

There is no single job title called "child psychologist" in the UK, but professionals such as educational psychologists and child and adolescent clinical psychologists have structured training paths and work extensively in this field. The British Psychological Society does not have a separate child psychology division. Instead, psychologists from several specialisms choose to focus their work on children and young people.

This means your route into working with children depends on which branch of psychology you train in, and the career choices you make afterwards.

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Training Routes That Lead to Work with Children

To work as a psychologist with children, you may qualify in areas such as:

• Educational psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Counselling psychology
• Neuropsychology

Educational psychologists support young people in schools and educational settings, helping with learning difficulties, behavioural issues and emotional wellbeing. Much of their work involves direct contact with children and adolescents, though some educational psychologists also work with adults who have learning disabilities.

Clinical psychologists work across the lifespan, but many choose to specialise in child and adolescent mental health. They often work within NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, known as CAMHS.

Counselling psychologists take a therapeutic approach and can work with children in various settings, including private practice, schools and the NHS. Neuropsychologists who focus on brain function and behaviour may also specialise in paediatric work. While many neuropsychologists come from a clinical psychology background, some enter through other psychology routes, provided they meet the requirements for the Qualification in Clinical Neuropsychology administered by the British Psychological Society.

Each of these routes gives you different tools and perspectives for understanding children. For example, educational psychologists tend to work within school systems on learning and development, while clinical psychologists in CAMHS often focus on mental health diagnoses and therapeutic interventions.

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The General Path to Becoming a Psychologist

All these routes share a similar starting point. You will need a psychology degree accredited by the British Psychological Society, which gives you Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership. This is your foundation.

After your undergraduate degree, the paths split. Educational psychology requires a doctoral programme lasting three years. In England, funding sometimes comes from local authorities, but arrangements vary and you should confirm the current structure directly with training providers. Clinical psychology also involves a three year doctoral training programme, which is competitive and salaried through the NHS.

Counselling psychology follows a similar doctoral structure, though funding is often not as readily available as in clinical psychology programmes and many trainees self-fund.

Relevant experience working with children is typically expected before applying to these training courses. This might include work as a teaching assistant, in youth services, child welfare, CAMHS or voluntary organisations supporting young people. Such experience will strengthen your applications and help you decide which specialism suits you best.

Where Child Psychologists Work

Psychologists who specialise in children work in a range of settings. These include NHS mental health services, schools, local authority teams, private clinics, universities and charities.

Some work directly with children and families in assessment and therapy. Others take on roles in training, supervision, research or service development.

Salaries vary depending on your specialism, employer and level of experience. For NHS pay scales, check the NHS Employers website or contact NHS HR directly for the most current figures. Educational psychologists employed by local authorities follow similar banding structures.

For the most accurate information on training requirements and professional registration, visit the British Psychological Society website and the Health and Care Professions Council, which regulates practitioner psychologists in the UK.

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