Assistant Psychologist Jobs: How to Get One and What Comes Next

Assistant psychologist jobs are famously competitive, and they're a common stepping stone to clinical psychology doctorate training. Totaljobs alone listed nearly 400 assistant psychologist vacancies in September 2026, but individual NHS posts can attract very large numbers of applicants.

What the role involves

Working under the supervision of a qualified psychologist: assessments, psychometric testing, delivering structured interventions, running groups, audit and research.

What employers look for

• A psychology degree accredited by the BPS (Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership)
• Relevant experience, for example support work, research assistant, PWP or healthcare assistant roles
• Evidence of reflective practice and understanding of the setting, such as forensic, learning disability or CAMHS

Pay

NHS assistant psychologists are usually Band 4 or Band 5 (£28,392 to £39,043 in 2026/27).

What comes next

The three-year NHS-funded Doctorate in Clinical Psychology leads to HCPC registration as a clinical psychologist. The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan commits to expanding clinical psychology and child and adolescent psychotherapy training places by 26% to over 1,300 by 2031. Other routes include counselling psychology doctorates (usually self-funded), clinical associate in psychology roles and forensic psychology training.

Set a job alert on Mental Health Jobs. Assistant posts can close early once they reach an application cap.