How is Clinical Psychology Different from Counselling?
If you're looking for psychological support, you might have come across different types of professionals, including clinical psychologists and counsellors. While both are trained to support mental health, their backgrounds, training, and approaches can vary. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of these differences in a neutral and informative way to help you make an informed choice.
Training and Qualifications
Clinical psychologists in the UK are trained to doctoral level, typically undertaking a minimum of seven years of education and clinical experience, which includes academic study, supervised clinical practice, and research. This broad training means they are equipped to work with a wide range of psychological models and client presentations.
Counsellors may complete diploma or master’s level qualifications, often focusing in depth on relational and therapeutic skills. The exact training route and duration can vary depending on the course and accrediting body.
Scope of Practice
Clinical psychologists are trained to work across a broad spectrum of mental health needs, from common emotional difficulties to more complex or long-standing presentations. They are also trained in a variety of psychological models (such as CBT, ACT, CFT, EMDR, Schema Therapy, and systemic approaches) and work in a formulation-based way to personalise support.
Counsellors may also work with a wide range of emotional and psychological concerns, often focusing on providing a supportive space to explore life challenges and emotional experiences. Their work may be shorter- or longer-term, depending on the approach and client needs.
Assessment and Formulation
Clinical psychologists often draw on their training to collaboratively develop a psychological formulation—a shared understanding of what may be contributing to a person's distress, and how different factors such as past experiences, beliefs, and behaviours might be connected. This formulation helps guide the therapeutic approach and tailor support to the individual.
While counsellors may not typically use formulation in the same structured way, they often bring a strong focus on the therapeutic relationship and emotional processing, which many people find deeply helpful.
Regulation and Title Protection
The title "Clinical Psychologist" is protected by law and regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), meaning only those with specific qualifications and registration can use it.
Counsellors may be registered with professional bodies such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), which uphold standards and ethical guidelines. However, the title "counsellor" is not protected by law in the same way.
Cost and Accessibility
Clinical psychologists may charge more per session than some other practitioners, which reflects the nature of their training and the breadth of their practice. That said, people seek support from both clinical psychologists and counsellors for a range of reasons—not only based on the complexity of their difficulties, but also on personal preference and what feels like the right fit.
Some individuals value a structured, evidence-based approach, while others find that a relational and exploratory space better meets their needs. Both can be highly effective depending on the person and the context.
Choosing What’s Right for You
Ultimately, choosing between clinical psychology and counselling comes down to what you’re looking for in therapy. Both professions offer valuable forms of support. One is not inherently better than the other—they simply offer different approaches, shaped by different training backgrounds and therapeutic philosophies.
That said, there are some situations where a clinical psychologist may be especially well-suited to support. For example, if you are experiencing multiple overlapping difficulties, long-standing issues, or more complex mental health challenges, you may benefit from a formulation-based approach that integrates different therapeutic models. Clinical psychologists are trained to draw on a wide toolkit and to tailor therapy to these kinds of needs.
Another distinction is the emphasis clinical psychologists place on linking theory, evidence, and practice. Their training places strong emphasis on drawing from the latest psychological research and applying it in a way that is sensitive to each individual’s context. This can be particularly useful when clients are looking for therapy that is both personalised and grounded in established evidence.
Counsellors may also draw on well-established therapeutic traditions, with a strong emphasis on the relational and emotional experience of therapy. This can be especially valuable for clients seeking a space to explore their feelings in a supportive, non-directive way.
If you're unsure what would be the best fit for you, many professionals offer initial consultations to talk through your needs and help you make an informed choice.
Final Thoughts
In summary, both clinical psychology and counselling offer important pathways to emotional support and psychological wellbeing. Clinical psychology may be particularly suited to those looking for in-depth psychological formulation or support for complex or overlapping concerns. Counselling may appeal to those seeking a reflective and emotionally supportive space.
Whatever your starting point, reaching out for support is positive step. If you’d like to learn more about how our team of clinical psychologists might support your wellbeing, feel free to get in touch.
