Counselling psychologist : Employers and vacancy sources

Counselling psychologists are often employed by the National Health Service (NHS) in settings such as:

• departments of psychotherapy, clinical psychology or psychological therapies;
• community mental health teams;
• general practitioner surgeries;
• general and psychiatric hospitals;
• specialist areas such as child and family services.

See NHS Careers  for more information.

Counselling psychologists are also employed in private hospitals, independent practice, schools, colleges, universities and a wide range of voluntary organisations.

Other employers include the civil service (see Civil Service Jobs ), the prison service (see Careers in the Justice System ), probationary services, occupational health departments and social services.

Although fewer in number, opportunities also exist in the private sector including providing psychological therapy services to industry and in employee assistance programmes (EAPs). Within these settings, counselling psychologists may work directly with individuals, couples, families and groups. They may also act as consultants to other professionals.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Community Care  
• Guardian Jobs  
• Health Service Journal  
• Jobs.ac.uk  
• NHS Jobs  
• NHS Scotland    
• Psychologist Appointments   

Local press and hospital websites also advertise vacancies.

Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.