Counselling Jobs UK: How To Pursue A Career In Mental Health
In recent years, the UK has seen a surge in demand for mental health counselling services, and interest in counselling as a career has risen with it. The counselling field offers a variety of different careers that provide opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Below, we’ll explore counselling jobs in the UK and ways to pursue a career and find a job in the mental health field.
Mental health counselling jobs
Counsellors can work in a variety of roles to improve the mental health and well-being of others. One of the most common positions is that of a mental health counsellor, also called a psychotherapist. To become a mental health counsellor in the UK, a person typically has to obtain a master’s degree and complete 450 of practical training. These counsellors may work in an independent practice or for various care organizations. They often provide a variety of therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy, depending on the diagnosis and needs of each client.
Counselling roles in social care and education
Counsellors can also work in various roles in social care settings. For example, a counsellor might serve people living in a nursing home or rehabilitation facility. They might provide individual care or lead groups to support the mental well-being of residents.
Counsellors can also work in educational settings. For example, some might work in universities to help young people experiencing mental health challenges.
Clinical psychologist jobs
Clinical psychologists treat a number of mental disorders through psychotherapy. They can work in their own independent practice or in hospitals and other organizations. Clinical psychologists often conduct assessments and form personalized treatment plans for clients. They may also communicate with medical doctors about medications prescribed for various mental disorders as part of a client’s overall treatment plan.
To become a clinical psychologist, you first need to obtain a degree in psychology from a university approved by the British Psychological Society. Then, you have to complete a doctorate in psychology—either a PhD or a DClinPsych.
What are full-time and pro-rata counsellor salaries?
The salaries of counsellors can vary according to a number of factors, including location, specialization, workplace, and experience. Salary may also vary according to the responsibilities of each role. For example, managing counsellors may earn more given their experience level and responsibilities in managing other counselling staff.
According to the UK National Careers Service, the average starting salary for a full-time counsellor is £24,000 per year in the UK, with more experienced providers making around £46,000. Pro-rata salaries for counsellors who work less than full-time are likely to be based on these figures.
Counselling jobs UK: online and in person
Professional counsellors who provide therapy for mental health challenges may see clients only in person or completely online. Others may offer hybrid therapy, with some sessions in person and others remote. This may depend on the individual and the mental health challenges they’re experiencing.
- NHS jobs
- The British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)
- CharityJob
Why do people seek online therapy?
Online therapy can be an appealing option for receiving care for a number of reasons. For one, some people may not want to talk to a counsellor in their local community or may have trouble making it to regular in-person appointments. Online therapy with a platform like BetterHelp offers connection to a large network of therapists from all over the UK, so clients can receive care from wherever is convenient for them as long as they have an internet connection.
Also, online therapy allows people to connect with a professional counsellor via audio, video, live chat, or a combination of these methods. The flexibility of format allows people to speak to a mental health professional in a way that’s comfortable for them.
Over the last several years, numerous peer-reviewed studies have suggested that online therapy can often be as effective as in-person care. For example, one systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective for treating depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder, and other disorders in many cases.
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
What are some top counselling jobs (UK specific)?
Some common counselling jobs in the UK include psychotherapist, education counsellor, and school counsellor. The top jobs in terms of salary depend on your location, specialty, experience, person specification or title, and other factors.
Where can a clinical psychologist work?
A clinical psychologist can work in an independent practice or in a hospital or other care facility. Clinical psychologists often focus on providing treatment for a variety of mental health conditions.
Does a counsellor treat mental health conditions?
Qualified counsellors often treat various mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. However, they may also provide counselling to help people who don’t have a mental disorder but are going through various life challenges, such as relationship problems or major life transitions.
What is a normal pro-rata salary in counselling?
A pro-rata salary for a counsellor can vary depending on the number of hours worked per week or per month. For example, a part-time position in a hospice center might pay around £17,000. This can vary depending on the job details and the region where a counsellor practices. For example, in greater London, a counsellor seeking work might find higher salaries than are available in the north of England.
Experience level can also affect salaries. For example, a counselling manager at the Macular Society (the only charity exclusively dedicated to serving people affected by macular disease and sight loss) might earn £38,000 to £40,000 working in a flexible role of about 22 hours per week.
Do counsellors work in social care?
Counsellors can work in numerous organizations, including in social care settings. They can work for the NHS or for non-NHS care facilities. They can also establish their own practice and work in an office or remotely.
Where can I find counsellor jobs in the UK?
Some employers post counsellor jobs in online job directories or through employment agencies, such as Service Care Solutions. Some people also find counselling jobs through the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which lists open roles along with the salary range and closing date of each role. Counsellors might find a part-time, full-time, or sessional opportunity listed on the BACP website. Many counsellors also find clients through online therapy platforms, such as BetterHelp.
What do you need to be a counselor in the UK?
Becoming a counselor in the UK generally requires taking a college or university course and training with a counseling organization. Courses should include practical skills training and supervised work placements. After completing education and training, you can register with a professional body and look for a fixed-term contract or permanent position.
Can a US therapist work in the UK?
It’s possible for a US therapist to work in the UK. In most cases, registering with a professional body like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) enables therapists from the US to practice in the UK. You can explore the BACP site to learn more about practicing as a therapist in the UK and visit the Therapist Directory page if you’re interested in advertising your services.
What is the highest-paid therapist in the UK?
Psychiatrists are typically the highest-paid mental health professionals in the UK. Clinical psychologists also tend to make more than therapists and counselors. In addition, mental health professionals who have specializations, such as helping children with bipolar disorder or helping adults with substance use disorder, may be able to charge more than their non-specialized counterparts.
What is the difference between a counselor and a therapist in the UK?
In general, a counselor provides short-term, solution-focused services for individuals who desire guidance related to a specific problem. Meanwhile, therapists usually offer longer-term support and delve into a person’s past, beliefs, and other factors impacting their mental health to help them address the challenges they’re experiencing. Both counselors and therapists usually focus on empowering individuals to develop the skills they need to thrive.
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