Clinical Psychology Training in the UK: Towards the Attainment of Competence

Abstract

This article provides a brief overview of clinical psychology training requirements from the UK perspective. Over recent years UK clinical psychology training requirements have focused on the development of competency based models. In Edinburgh the “standard” model of training has been supplemented with a “specialist” training route and this is described here. The changes to accreditation as a clinical psychologist following the advent of the Health Professions Council in the UK are also briefly discussed. What follows is also an opinion piece on how training programmes must position themselves and their graduates so as to enhance the success of the profession in a period of financial constraints.

Key words:

• clinical psychology
• specialist model of training
• training
• UK clinical psychology