Assistant psychologists

An Assistant Psychologist has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and works with clinical psychologists to reduce psychological distress and to enhance psychological wellbeing. They usually specialise in one of the following fields:

adult mental health; older adults; learning disabilities; child and adolescent; neuropsychology; health/medical psychology; research in The National Health Service (NHS) or attached to universities.

Under the supervision of a clinical psychologist, they apply psychological methods to patients and clients in health care settings. Typical work activities include:

assessing a client's needs, abilities or behaviour using a variety of methods including psychometric tests, interviews and direct observation of behaviour; devising and monitoring appropriate programmes of treatment; delivering therapy for difficulties relating to anxiety, depression, addictions, social and interpersonal problems and challenging behaviour; evaluating service provision; carrying out research

The British Psychological Society (BPS) has guidelines about employing Assistant Psychologists Guidelines