| Aspect | Trainee Clinical Psychologist | Clinical Psychologist |
|---|
| Qualifications | Master's or Doctorate in Psychology (training stage) | Registered with HCPC, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology |
| Work Environment | Supervised training placements in healthcare settings | Independent practice in hospitals, clinics, or private practice |
| Role | Learning and gaining practical experience under supervision | Providing assessment, diagnosis, and therapy independently |
The main difference is that a Trainee Clinical Psychologist is still in training and gaining experience, while a Clinical Psychologist is fully qualified and registered to practice independently.