Profile

Clinical Psychologists work in the field of mental health and can be NHS and/or private practitioners. We can work in homes, clinics and schools among other settings and can work alongside Education, Health and Social Care. We might also do some work with the Police and other legal providers.

In my clinic we diagnose and treat mental health problems and we diagnose Autism and ADHD. We see children and young people on their own and with their families or carers. Sometimes we liaise with lawyers and courts, social workers and the police, and work with schools and hospitals. I also teach on the Doctorate courses local to me and provide teaching, training and consultation to organisations.

My team and I will look at new referrals that have come in over night, reply to enquiries and generally make sure everything is prepared for the day. We might discuss any tricky cases and things we want help or advice with. Then morning clinic is for diagnosis of neurodevelopmental differences – things like Autism and ADHD. That can take the whole morning so we stop for lunch and to discuss cases again. The afternoon can be a mental health clinic, a school visit or some home visits. At times we may go to court or other settings to help our patients, or we may go and teach or lecture students about our work in colleges or university. We spend some time writing our notes and reports for the week and respond to any emergencies that come up from time to time. We also talk to the media and sometimes go on TV to give our expertise. No days are the same!