Navigation trail

• Home page
• Types of jobs
• Social care and guidance work
• Psychotherapist: Salary and conditions

Psychotherapist: Salary and conditions

• Range of typical starting salaries in The National Health Service (NHS)  : £20,225 - £26,123 (salary data collected May 09).
• Range of typical salaries in the NHS at senior level/with experience: up to £77,179 (salary data collected May 09).
• Private practice rates vary considerably between £25 and £80 per hour depending upon the circumstances of the client (salary data collected May 09).
• Salaries vary according to experience.
• There is no nationally recognised grade for psychotherapists working with adults.
• Working hours are typically Monday to Friday, nine to five but can often involve extended working days, particularly in private practice, as clients come before or after working hours.
• If employed in a residential setting, working shifts may be necessary.
• Self-employment/freelance work is commonly possible and viable. However, building up a client base takes time, and many do not achieve a full-time practice. Issues such as overheads, insurance, supervision and support groups have to be taken into account before considering self-employment or freelance work.
• Self-employed practitioners work from home, an office or shared premises.
• Part-time work is possible.
• Career breaks are feasible, although those in private practice would have to rebuild a client base.
• There are currently more women than men working in this role.
• A support framework is essential, as the work is emotionally demanding. It can also be solitary.
• Travel within a working day, absence from home at night and overseas work or travel are uncommon, although there may be work available abroad in places such as war zones and disaster areas.

AGCAS

Written by Helen Reed, Nottingham Trent University

Last updated:

May 2009

© Copyright AGCAS & Graduate Prospects Ltd | Disclaimer