Studies & Degrees in Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychology Study Programs
Clinical psychology is the branch of psychology that deals with mental health. Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose and treat mental, emotional and behavioural disorders, from everyday difficulties to severe and chronic conditions. Psychotherapy is the best-known part of the work, but it is only one part: the field also covers psychological assessment and testing, prevention, rehabilitation, research and the design of mental health services.
Students learn psychopathology, assessment and diagnosis, the main models of psychological treatment for children, adults and older people, research methods and professional ethics. A large share of the training is supervised practice with patients in clinics and hospitals. Clinical psychologists do not study medicine; in most countries they do not prescribe medication.
Qualifications and levels
Clinical psychology is a regulated health profession almost everywhere, so the route is set by national rules. It always starts with a degree in psychology and continues with postgraduate training.
- Spain. The bachelor's degree (grado) in Psychology takes 4 years and 240 ECTS credits, for example at the Universidad de Murcia. After it there are two routes into health care. The official Máster en Psicología General Sanitaria has 90 ECTS credits, of which at least 30 are placements in authorised centres, and gives access to the regulated profession of Psicólogo General Sanitario. Applicants need a degree in Psychology that includes at least 90 ECTS credits of health-related content. The title of specialist in Clinical Psychology is a separate health specialty, obtained through a paid residency in the public health system (known as PIR) that lasts 4 years.
- United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical psychologists typically need a doctorate: a Ph.D., which emphasises research and ends with a dissertation, or a Psy.D., which focuses on work with clients or patients. Both usually include an internship. All states require psychologists who practise independently to be licensed.
- United Kingdom. Training is a three-year, full-time taught doctorate that includes a salaried training post in the National Health Service (NHS). Applicants need a psychology degree recognised by the British Psychological Society, and the NHS warns that competition for places on the 30 UK programmes is high.
Where to study it
SpainExchange lists 19 active schools for clinical psychology. Nine are in Spain and four in the United States; Chile, Ecuador, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Ethiopia have one each.
In Spain the subject is taught at universities such as the Universidad de Murcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Universidad de La Laguna, Universidad de Huelva, Universidad de Jaén, Universidad de Deusto and Universidad Camilo José Cela. Teaching is in Spanish. The Máster Universitario en Psicología General Sanitaria at the Universidad de Murcia is taught on campus in Spanish, lasts a year and a half (three semesters) and offers 60 places.
In the United States, San Diego State University runs a joint Ph.D. in clinical psychology with UC San Diego that has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1990. Long Island University and Alabama A&M University are also listed. In the United Kingdom, The University of Sheffield offers a three-year Doctorate in Clinical Psychology organised with local psychology services. Universidad SEK Chile and Universidad Internacional SEK Ecuador teach in Spanish; Massey University in New Zealand and Central Queensland University in Australia teach in English.
A qualification from one country does not give the right to practise in another. Anyone who plans to study abroad and work at home should ask the professional regulator there first.
Careers
Clinical psychologists work in hospitals, community mental health centres, primary care, addiction and rehabilitation services, and private practice. Some specialise in one group, such as children and adolescents or older people, or in one area, such as neuropsychology or health psychology. Others teach and carry out research at universities.
In the United States, clinical and counselling psychologists held about 81,300 jobs in 2025, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of psychologists overall will grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A clinical psychologist studies psychology and treats patients mainly with psychological assessment and therapy. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health.
How long does it take to become a clinical psychologist in Spain?
The grado in Psychology takes 4 years. The Máster en Psicología General Sanitaria adds 90 ECTS credits, about a year and a half. The specialist title in Clinical Psychology requires a 4-year residency (PIR) after the degree.
Do I need a doctorate to work as a clinical psychologist?
In the United States and the United Kingdom, yes: a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in the US, and a three-year taught doctorate in the UK. In Spain the routes are an official master's degree or a health residency, not a doctorate.
Can I practise in another country with my degree?
Not automatically. Clinical psychology is regulated nationally, and in the United States by each state, so a foreign qualification must be recognised by the local authority before you can practise.