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Health Psychologist

Health Psychologists work in hospitals and clinics helping people look after their physical and mental health better. They use science and talking skills to help people change habits and deal with illness.

Health Psychologist

18

Psychology

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY18
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST58%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is low on our index (18), and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

The role

As a Health Psychologist, you help people understand how their thoughts and feelings affect their health. You might work with someone who is trying to quit smoking, or who is struggling to manage a long-term illness like diabetes. You use science-based methods to help them make changes.

Your day involves meeting with patients to understand what is stopping them from getting healthier. You might use questionnaires or just listen carefully to what they tell you. Then you work together on a plan - that might mean talking through their worries, helping them build better habits, or teaching them ways to manage stress. You also work with doctors and nurses to make sure the patient's care is joined up, and you read the latest research to keep your methods up to date.

Daily responsibilities

  • Conduct assessments to evaluate patients' mental and emotional health related to their physical conditions.
  • Develop and implement tailored psychological interventions and treatment plans.
  • Collaborate with healthcare professionals to provide holistic care and improve patient outcomes.
  • Research and analyze health-related behaviours and psychological factors affecting health.
  • Facilitate workshops and training sessions for healthcare staff on psychological aspects of patient care.
  • Provide support and counselling to patients coping with chronic illness or significant life changes.
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and adjust strategies as needed.

Does a degree help here?

A UK degree in psychology not only provides a solid foundation in psychological theories and practices but also ensures compliance with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards. UK universities are renowned for their rigorous training and research opportunities, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.