Our therapies: FAQs

A chartered clinical psychologist is a practitioner of psychology. Psychology is concerned with the study of people and their behaviour. To become a chartered clinical psychologist, a practitioner must register with the British Psychological Society.

In order to gain this registration, a psychologist will have a minimum of six years training and clinical experience, although most psychologists will have more than ten years of training and clinical experience, often completing a doctorate, which is an in-depth piece of original research.

Psychologists must continue to develop their skills and knowledge by attending further training events, conferences and conducting or evaluating research.

Psychiatrists are initially trained as medical doctors and then go on to qualify in psychiatry, specialising in mental illness. Psychiatrists are concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of mental illness. Due to their medical training, psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication.

Psychologists often have the title of Dr because they have completed a doctorate, but this is a doctorate in psychology, not medicine and they are not able to prescribe medication.

Psychiatrists and psychologists work closely together in the treatment of eating disorders. Both groups are involved in the assessment of patients and providing, or designing treatment programmes for them.

Read about other psychological treatments for eating disorders.