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Psychologist - Health

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A health psychologist uses psychological research methods and therapies to promote wellbeing and help people understand their illness. Their aim is to improve healthcare provision, general levels of health and promote a healthier lifestyle.

The Work

You could be:

You might work with groups such as older adults, pregnant teenagers or patients with chronic illnesses.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

The salaries for NHS Psychologists in Scotland are usually based on the NHS Agenda for Change pay rates. The current pay scales are from April 2024.

Qualified psychologists start on Band 7, £46,244 to £53,789 a year. With experience this rises to Band 8a, £56,992 to £61,522 a year, and Band 8b, £67,285 to £71,978 a year.

Consultant/lead psychologists are on Band 8c, £79,466 to £85,121 a year.

Conditions

Workforce Employment Status

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Useful Subjects

Getting In

Health psychologists work in hospitals, academic research institutes, health authorities and university departments. There has been an increase in jobs in lecturing and in research into social and behavioural factors in health.

Workforce Education Levels (UK)

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Job Outlook Scotland

Employment

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Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland
2024
1819
2.1 %
RISE
2029
1858
  United Kingdom
2024
18156
4.6 %
RISE
2029
18998

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What Does it Take?

You need:

Training

Getting On

Apart from the usual routes of promotion to senior level there are opportunities to move into training or self-employed consultancy work.

More Information

There is a wide range of jobs, although the vacancies do not always use the job title 'health psychologist'. Health psychologists work as applied psychologists, teachers, consultants and researchers for the NHS, the universities, schools, industry and health promotion organisations.

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.

British Psychological Society
Tel: 0116 254 9568
E-mail: info@bps.org.uk
Website: http://www.bps.org.uk
Website (2): http://careers.bps.org.uk
Twitter: @BPSOfficial
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBPS/

NHS Scotland Careers
Website: http://www.careers.nhs.scot
Website (2): https://jobs.scot.nhs.uk/
Twitter: @NHSScotCareers

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