Counselling Psychologist
18AI EXPOSURE TODAY18
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST58%
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.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM PSYCHOLOGY →
Counselling Psychologist
Counselling psychologists help people work through emotional and psychological challenges. They listen, understand and support people facing difficult times - whether that's anxiety, grief, relationship trouble or trauma. They use talking therapies and evidence-based techniques to help people feel better and live better lives.
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.
Career progression path
Is this the only route?
This is the standard academic trajectory, but modern careers are highly flexible. You can often skip stagesby entering the industry with an advanced qualification (like a Master's or PhD), or pivot sideways from a related discipline.
0ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONUniversity DegreeUsually 3 to 4 years of full-time academic study, explicitly preparing you for the theoretical realities of the industry. Requires A-Levels, BTECs, or equivalent Level 3.-£68,205Avg. UK tuition & living
1FIRST STEPJunior Counselling PsychologistAs a junior counselling psychologist, you will support senior psychologists in client assessments and therapy sessions, gaining valuable experience in the field.£25,000 - £30,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Counselling PsychologistIn this role, you will independently manage a caseload of clients, applying advanced therapeutic techniques and contributing to team discussions.£34,000 - £42,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Counselling PsychologistAt this level, you will lead clinical teams, mentor junior psychologists, and influence mental health policy within your organisation.£48,000+
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Psychology with Health and Wellbeing in SocietyPerformance Preparation Academy Limited · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£32,000 median
🎓Psychology with NeuroscienceUniversity of Sussex · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£26,000 median
🎓Cognitive Neuroscience and PsychologyThe University of Manchester · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£25,000 median
All Psychology courses as cards →
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Psychology with Health and Wellbeing in SocietyPerformance Preparation Academy Limited · DegreePsychologyUniversity of Exeter · DegreePsychologyLoughborough University · DegreePsychology with NeuroscienceUniversity of Sussex · DegreePsychologyThe University of Westminster · DegreeCognitive Neuroscience and PsychologyThe University of Manchester · Degree