Query from Clinical Psych coming from overseas

[aussiepsych]

Was wondering if anyone can provide some thoughts in helping me determine how I'd go getting registration as a Clinicial Psych in England for me coming from Australia.

I am about to get my qualification as a fully registered psychologist in Australia having completed a Masters in Clinical Psychology (and prior to this a Bachelor of Social Science and Postrgraduate diploma in Psychology). I am looking to come to England to live for a year or 2 but am wondering if it's worthwhile to try and obtain registration in England as a Clinical Psychologist or work in the field without the qualification.

I understand that the Health Professionals Council now regulate the profession. I was wondering if anyone knows what my chances of getting the registration would be like. I know it will cost me a fair bit of time and money to put in the applications required through the HPC so am not sure if it's worth it if they are going to indicate that I need to complete more coursework, exams/placements.

Would really appreciate anyone's thoughts or experiences. Thanks.

[astra]

If you take a look at the British Psychological Society's (BPS) website you will see that the qualification for working as a clinical Psyhcologist in the UK is at doctorate level so your qualification, being a Masters, would not be adequate to practice. there is a process for upgrading your qualification once you are over here, but it's complicated, I think details will be found on the BPS website about how to apply for this. If you're only coming for a couple of years though you'd probably do just as well to work in an unqualified role such as an Assistant Psychologist role, unless you really wanted to upgrade your qualification, which might involve doing a research project and placements in clinical areas to top up what you have already done.

[aussiepsych]

thanks for your advice here- I will check out the BPS website

[Felicity_CC]

Hi, I'm also an Australian qualified Clinical Psych. I have completed a doctorate so am in a slightly different situation to you. I understand that the new process of registration is through the Health Professionals Council. They closed off the Statement of Equivalence through BPS at the start of 2009. I am about to submit my application to the HPC and am wondering if you have found out any more information about other people's experience with the international route? It has been an absolute nightmare to chase up all the required paperpork and the application fee is rather expensive. I am starting to wonder if all this hassle is worth it if I am going to be required to undergo further unpaid trainind or need to complete more research. Anyway - let me know if you have heard from anyone with experience in the process.