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Learn more about clinical psychology
Clinical psychology is a regulated healthcare discipline concerned with the assessment, diagnosis, and psychological treatment of mental health conditions and behavioural difficulties. Clinical psychologists hold doctoral-level qualifications and are trained to work with a wide range of presentations, from common difficulties such as anxiety and depression to complex and long-standing conditions.
Clinical psychology is distinct from psychiatry, which is a medical speciality with prescribing rights. Clinical psychologists do not prescribe medication but are trained in a broad range of evidence-based psychological interventions. The discipline is regulated in most European countries, and practitioners are required to maintain registration with the relevant national professional body.
Clinical psychology combines formal psychological assessment with evidence-based therapeutic intervention. A clinical psychologist will typically begin with a thorough assessment to understand the nature and context of the presenting difficulty before agreeing on an approach.
Work with a clinical psychologist may involve:
- Structured psychological assessment, including cognitive or neuropsychological testing where relevant
- Formulation: developing a shared understanding of how difficulties developed and what maintains them
- Therapeutic intervention using approaches such as CBT: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, psychodynamic therapy, or other evidence-based models
- Consultation and liaison with other professionals, including psychiatrists and medical teams
Clinical psychology covers a broad diagnostic and therapeutic range. The following are among the most common presentations seen in clinical psychology practice.
ADHD: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Clinical psychologists conduct psychological assessments for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and provide intervention for the cognitive and emotional dimensions of the condition, including attention regulation, impulsivity, and associated difficulties such as low self-esteem or anxiety.
ADHD assessment
Formal ADHD assessment typically involves structured interview, questionnaire measures, and cognitive testing. Clinical psychologists are among the qualified professionals able to conduct these assessments, which are required for a formal diagnosis and, where relevant, medication review.
Anorexia
Clinical psychologists work with anorexia nervosa as part of specialist eating disorder teams or in individual practice. Intervention addresses the psychological maintaining factors of the condition alongside medical monitoring and nutritional support. This is a complex presentation requiring specialist training.
Autism
Clinical psychologists are involved in both the assessment of autism spectrum conditions and in therapeutic support for autistic people. This may include support for anxiety, emotional regulation, and navigating social and occupational contexts.
Choosing an approach isn't something you have to do alone. IC's matching can pair you with a therapist whose approach suits your situation. Get matched
It's Complicated is a therapist-founded mental health platform connecting clients with verified practitioners across Europe and globally, in over 60 languages. We work with over 2,500 vetted therapists, with in-person availability in Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon, Vienna, and other major cities, alongside online sessions worldwide. It's Complicated is free to use, and you pay your chosen therapist directly at rates they set.
Identifying a clinical psychologist with the right specialisation for your specific presentation, and one who works in your country and language, can be time-consuming. Our matching service is built to remove that friction. You complete a short survey, our psychologists combine data-driven insights with human judgement to identify the right therapists for your situation, and you choose from a shortlist of strong candidates. You can also browse our directory directly if you'd prefer to choose yourself.
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