There's a deeper root to why this role was introduced. As you know yourself, the NHS mental health services are under immense pressure with high lists of people waiting to see a clinical psychologist. The majority of people wanting to receive treatments suffer from mild-moderate mental ill health, and can usually be managed/treated by using evidence-based CBT interventions before they become severe. Since there is already a lack of clinical psychologists and the current ones being overwhelmed with the high demands, the role came upon the idea that people can be trained to competently provide therapeutic services in the basis of CBT to the capacity of a masters degree, as opposed to undergoing 3 years of training which covers other different treatment approaches to mental health illness aside from CBT. Therefore, the associate role helps to ease some pressure of the NHS. It may also suit some people who want to work within the services and provide therapy without having to undergo the longer doctorate route. So yeah, that's the main basis of why it was initiated. Does that make sense? I hope that's comprehensible... =)

I think a route that offers a funded masters will help make clinical psychology career more accessible for people who have been disadvantaged by not wanting to pay for a master's. For me getting a funded post graduate qualification was one of the main reasons I did EMHP training. What I think they really need to make clinical psychology more accessible and diverse is to allow this role to have a 2 year top up to doctorate level.

I love hearing different career options within psychology so thank you! I’m a psychology graduate and just got my first job as a mental health support worker so It’s interesting to learn about different paths. This sounds like a good alternative for people who do not want to complete the doctorate

I completely agree with you and I think because its very “new” I wouldn’t want to have a masters that isn’t really relevant, when I could do a masters that would be more beneficial to my application. Also the part of having to stay in one place for 3 years limits your experience and ability to reflect on different situations! Like you said i think 2-3 years of experience in different places in a paid role would be better for the doctorate. I think the CAP would he a good back up option if things don’t go well! I think you have to think of your long term goal and what fits you.

Thanks for the video - it's helpful how you've compiled all this info! I guess one way it is more helpful than an AP role is that yo're also having the standardised teaching at a uni I guess? So may feel you have more support? However, I think one of the frustrating parts f this is what it's kind fo unclear how or when to apply for such roles. I know that both UCL and Exeter have offered it in the past but I'm not sure when training will occur again or how to plan my future around that for after I graduate this June

I have an interview and very overwhelmed in getting things right

In 2013 when doing my GCSE’s I aspired to become a CP after graduating from uni with a 2:1 in psych and 3 years of acute MH experience as a HCA I’ve become disillusioned with the traditional route of becoming a CP... maybe the CAP is a good bridge to the doctorate. Aside from that forensic psychology and forensic mental health (in terms of a masters) has become more appealing to me over time.

I am a Clinical Associate Psychologist and this video does have considerable inaccuracies in it. I feel it's important to correct this as the CAP course is growing and it's imperative correct information is provided to future psychologists so they can accurately and appropriately make a decision on which course to apply for in their best interests. - We train for 18 months NOT 1 year. 12 months you will work 3 days a week with 2 days studying. The final 6 months you move to working 4 days a week with 1 studying. - We do NOT have to stay in the same service post qualification. We apply for any post just like any other role so we are not confined to our placement. Some trusts allow you to interview for the placement you like, others will assign you one whilst training. - Depending on your course will depend how many placements you have. Currently I have split placements which enables a greater depth of learning and experience. - We are very different to Assistant Psychologists and are qualified to provide supervision to APs. Although we are still supervised by a Clinical Psychologist we work independently within our teams. - The CAP career path is still being developed but is a profession in it's own right. Although some CAPS train and qualify to move to the D Clin this is not the intention of the CAP course, however is still an option. *Please note the courses vary slightly in structure. I train at Bath University and I am aware Plymouth runs differently regarding teaching. If you are interested please check directly with the course*

I think Nhs wants to keep people in same job for a bit so they don’t lost money. As you say lots of AP just keep moving between roles so it is con for Nhs and new qualified people 🧐

The course is only a year and half, I asked the few universities offering (Exeter, UCL, Sheffield haven't asked Southampton but they offer it too). You are awarded a fully funded masters and regular clinical supervision. To get both a clinical psychologist doctorate or an assistant psychologist a masters and clinical experience is needed/desirable and you get both for free. I'm a Cambridge Psychology graduate considering my opportunities so I just did some research on it.

The name has changed to clinical associate in Psychology. So CAPs are no longer named as psychologists. The role itself is similar to any other band 5/6 role ie graduate mental health worker, Pwp….