Introduction
Helping children and young people deal with emotional, mental, and behavioral issues is the main goal of the fulfilling profession of child psychotherapy. If you are wondering how to become a child psychotherapist, this guide will provide a step-by-step roadmap for pursuing a career in this field in the UK.
A child psychologist and a child psychotherapist are frequently confused. Although both careers assist children’s mental health, there are differences in their educational backgrounds, therapeutic approaches, and employment responsibilities. In addition to answering important search questions like child psychologist UK pay, how to become a child psychologist online, and how long does it take to become a child psychologist in the UK, this article will describe the prerequisites, necessary training, and career opportunities for being a child psychotherapist.
Who is a Child Psychotherapist?
A child psychotherapist is a qualified specialist who uses a variety of therapeutic approaches to assist kids and teenagers with emotional discomfort, trauma, and mental health concerns. Schools, clinics, hospitals, and private offices are some of the places they work.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting psychotherapy sessions with children, parents, and caregivers.
- Using play therapy, cognitive therapy, and psychoanalysis to support emotional well-being.
- Helping children develop healthy coping mechanisms.
- Working with other professionals, including teachers, doctors, and social workers.
- Diagnosing and treating behavioral disorders and emotional challenges.
How to Become a Child Psychotherapist in the UK
In the UK, you must have specialized training in psychotherapy and experience dealing with children in order to become a licensed child psychotherapist. This is the detailed process:
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
To begin, you must complete an undergraduate degree in a relevant field such as:
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Education
- Medicine or Nursing
- Counseling or Child Development
Many child psychotherapist training programs require a degree related to mental health or social sciences.
2. Gain Work Experience in Mental Health or Child Care
Most child psychotherapy programs require a minimum of one year’s experience working with children in a mental health or social care setting. You can gain experience by working as a:
- Teaching assistant in a special needs school.
- Mental health support worker.
- Volunteer in child-focused charities.
3. Complete a Postgraduate Training in Child Psychotherapy
You must finish an approved postgraduate diploma or Master’s degree in child psychotherapy in order to become a certified child psychotherapist. Among the most renowned establishments in the United Kingdom are:
- Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust
- University of Roehampton
- Birkbeck, University of London
- The Institute of Psychoanalysis
Courses typically take four years and include:
- Clinical training with real-life case studies.
- Supervised work placements in schools, hospitals, or mental health clinics.
- Psychoanalytic studies focusing on childhood mental health.
4. Register with a Professional Body
After completing postgraduate training, you must register with a recognized professional body to legally practice as a child psychotherapist in the UK. Key bodies include:
- Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACP)
- British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC)
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
5. Apply for Jobs as a Child Psychotherapist
Once registered, you can work in various settings such as:
- NHS mental health services
- Private therapy clinics
- Charities supporting children’s mental health
- Schools and educational institutions
- Local authority social care services
How to Become a Child Psychologist vs. Child Psychotherapist
Many people ask how to become a child psychologist in the UK and how it differs from a child psychotherapist. Here’s a simple comparison:
| Feature | Child Psychotherapist | Child Psychologist |
| Focus | Therapy-based treatment | Assessment and diagnosis |
| Training | Psychotherapy training (4-6 years) | Psychology degree + Doctorate (7-9 years) |
| Methods | Play therapy, psychoanalysis, behavioral therapy | Psychological testing, behavioral assessments |
| Workplaces | NHS, private practice, schools, charities | NHS, research, hospitals, education |
If you are more interested in assessing, diagnosing, and researching mental health disorders, a career as a child psychologist may be more suitable. If you want to work directly with children in therapy sessions, child psychotherapy is the better path.
Child Psychologist UK Salary vs. Child Psychotherapist Salary
Both child psychologists and child psychotherapists earn competitive salaries. However, salaries depend on experience, workplace, and job role.
| Experience Level | Child Psychologist Salary (UK) | Child Psychotherapist Salary (UK) |
| Entry-Level (NHS Band 6) | £32,000 – £40,000 | £35,000 – £42,000 |
| Experienced (NHS Band 7-8) | £42,000 – £60,000 | £45,000 – £65,000 |
| Senior/Private Practice | £70,000+ | £75,000+ |
- NHS psychologists and psychotherapists follow the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scale.
- Private practice professionals may earn significantly more depending on client base and location.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Child Psychotherapist?
The total time required varies based on education and experience. Here’s an estimated timeline:
| Step | Duration |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 3 years |
| Work Experience | 1-2 years |
| Postgraduate Training | 4 years |
| Registration & Licensing | 6 months |
| Total Time Required | 8-10 years |
If you opt for part-time study or additional specializations, it may take longer to qualify fully.
How to Become a Child Psychologist Online
While becoming a child psychotherapist requires in-person training, some aspects can be studied online. Many universities offer online master’s courses in child psychology or counseling and psychotherapy. However, supervised clinical training is still required for full qualification.
Recommended online courses:
- MSc in Child Psychology (Online) – University of Central Lancashire
- Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy – The Open University
Conclusion
A rewarding and demanding job option that enables professionals to significantly influence children’s lives is becoming a child psychotherapist. There are several ways to get into this industry, including obtaining experience in mental health services beforehand or going the conventional route of earning a degree before training.
To be successful, you must: An education, social work, or psychology degree, experience working in the field of child mental health, A postgraduate degree in child psychotherapy that is accepted, Becoming a member of a professional association
This could be the ideal job choice if you have a strong desire to assist kids in overcoming emotional challenges!
Begin your adventure now and change the lives of children!
