Psychologists in the UK

Information of interest about Psychologists 

What does a psychologist do?

A psychologist is a healthcare professional who studies people’s behaviour, emotions and mental processes. They analyse aspects such as personality, attention and motivation using scientific methods and tools such as clinical interviews, questionnaires, and case studies to understand the patient’s situation.

Why might you be referred to a psychologist? 

You may be referred to a psychologist when there are emotional, behavioural or adjustment difficulties that affect you daily life, such as personal, social or work-related problems, or when it is necessary to assess your psychological wellbeing through clinical interviews or specific psychological tests. 

When should you see a psychologist? 

It is recommended to see a psychologist if there are family, personal or work-related problems, or if behavioural disorders or obsessive thoughts appear. In the UK, more and more people seek psychological support to improve their emotional wellbeing and quality of life. 

Mental health problems are common: around 1 in 5 people live with anxiety, depression or other disorders, according to the OECD, and up to 1 in 2 people will experience them at some point in their lives. If emotional distress is intense, lasts for several weeks or affects work, studies or relationships, consulting a psychologist can help you understand what is happening and you can receive professional guidance. 

Why choose a psychologist? 

Choosing a psychologist allows you to better understand what is happening on an emotional and behavioural level. It also provides access to a professional assessment based on scientific techniques and validated tools to analyse each situation objectively. 

Type of patients who see a psychology specialist 

People with emotional difficulties, behavioural problems, stress, anxiety or personal, social or work-related conflicts seek psychological support, as well as patients who need psychological assessment or support at different stages of their lives. 

What disorders and problems does a psychology specialist treat? 

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression
• Conduct disorder
• Addiction
• Eating disorders
• Psychological trauma
• General personal, social or work-related problems 

Preparing for a consultation with a psychologist 

Before the consultation, it is advisable to reflect on the symptoms, situations or concerns that are troubling you. It may also be helpful to note down any questions or recent changes in your personal, professional or emotional life to support the assessment during the session. 

What tests or treatments might a psychologist request? 

• Clinical interviews
• Psychological questionnaires
• Personality tests
• Psychological assessments
• Neuropsychological assessment
• Intelligence test
• Memory test
• ADHD diagnosis

What should I do to book an appointment with a psychologist? 

On Top Doctors, you can book a consultation with a psychologist with just one click from the specialist search results page. 

Which is the best psychology centre in the UK? 

At Top Doctors we feature leading centres specialising in Psychology. You can compare them according to their specialities, location and patient reviews to choose the one that best suits your needs. 

Sources 

• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2025). Health at a glance 2025: Mental health. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/2025/11/health-at-a-glance-2025_a894f72e/full-report/mental-health_24af6094.html 
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2025). Health at a glance 2025: Care for people with mental health disorders. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/2025/11/health-at-a-glance-2025_a894f72e/full-report/care-for-people-with-mental-health-disorders_93180f8c.html 
• Nature Molecular Psychiatry. (2025). [Scientific article]. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-025-03623-w