Creating an impressive psychologist CV is crucial for advancing your career and securing top opportunities in this competitive field. As a psychologist, you assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions while providing expert guidance and support to help individuals achieve emotional and psychological well-being. 

Your CV should highlight your professional qualifications, clinical expertise, and ability to build trusting relationships with clients, while also demonstrating your understanding of therapeutic techniques, ethical practices, and commitment to continuous learning.

This guide offers essential tips, templates, and CV examples to help you create a standout CV. We’ll walk you through the key elements of building a successful psychologist CV, including:

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    Psychologist CV sample

    CV example for a qualified psychologist

    Angela Lombardo

    82 Boleyn Road, London, N1 2JG
    07912345678 angela.lombardo@example-example.co.uk

    PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

    Accomplished Clinical Psychologist with expertise in mental health research and treatment. Highly skilled in diagnosing and educating patients on mental conditions. History of successful coordination with physicians and other healthcare providers in development of highly individualised treatment plans.

    WORK HISTORY

    11/2012 – Current
    Whittington Health – London
    CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

    • Trained newly hired psychologists on clinic standards and procedures.
    • Collaborated with senior psychiatrists to provide comprehensive patient care.
    • Provided CBT for patients.
    • Interpreted observation and testing results through application of psychological assessment tools.

    09/2003 – 03/2010
    St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – London
    ASSISTANT PSYCHOLOGIST

    • Collected, documented and reviewed patient medical histories and relayed important factors to supervising clinicians.
    • Checked patient identifying information against records to uphold strict security, safety and regulatory standards.
    • Gathered, charted and analysed patient history data and discussed key points with clinicians.

    SKILLS

    • Caring and sensitive
    • Calm under pressure
    • Excellent work ethic
    • Time management
    • Strong written and verbal communicator
    • Family counselling
    • Client assessment and analysis
    • Attention to detail
    • Problem solving

    EDUCATION

    King’s College – London, PhD
    Clinical Psychology, 2009 

    University of Kent – Kent, MSc
    Psychology, 2002

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    Psychologist CV templates

    A well-structured psychologist CV is key to showcasing your skills and expertise in psychological assessment. Our expertly made UK CV templates make it easy to highlight your key achievements. With a focus on professionalism and clarity, these templates help you present your qualifications in a way that captures the attention of hiring managers and sets you apart from the rest.

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    Choose the right format for your psychologist CV

    To stand out as a psychologist, it’s essential to present your qualifications, experience, and education in a clear and professional manner. The right CV format plays a crucial role in capturing the attention of potential employers.

    For most psychologist roles, the reverse-chronological format is the most effective. It highlights your career progression, starting with your most recent position and working backwards. This structure lets you showcase key experiences and ensure they are front and centre.

    If you are applying for a research or academic position, consider using an academic CV format. This CV format typically includes more detailed information about your academic achievements, publications, research experience, conferences, and teaching roles. Unlike standard CVs, academic CVs can extend beyond the typical two pages to properly showcase your scholarly contributions and qualifications. 

    However, if you are new to the field or lack direct experience, a skills-based CV format can be an excellent alternative. This format focuses more on your transferable skills, such as active listening, problem-solving, empathy, and relevant certifications. It allows you to highlight your potential, even if your professional experience is limited.

    A few general CV tips:

    • Keep it concise: One or two pages are ideal for your CV unless you are applying for a position in academia or research.
    • Use a professional font: Opt for typical fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman.
    • Organise your CV with distinct sections: Use bullet points for easy reading and clarity.
    • Save and send your CV as a PDF: PDF format is the most widely used format when it comes to CVs
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    How to write a psychologist CV step by step

    Writing a psychologist CV involves more than just listing your past experiences. To catch the attention of potential employers, you must effectively showcase your qualifications, expertise, and professional education to highlight your ability to provide effective therapy and solutions. In this section, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to create a CV that stands out and demonstrates your suitability for the psychologist role.

    Here are the key steps we’ll cover:

    How to correctly present your contact details

    The contact section of your psychologist CV is where recruiters will reach out to you for the next steps, so it’s essential to ensure that all your details are accurate and easy to find. Here’s how to format this section effectively:

    • Full Name – Include both your first and last name
    • Location – State your city or region (mention if you are open to relocation)
    • Phone Number – Provide the best number to reach you
    • Email Address – Use a professional email address, preferably one that is simple and easy to remember

    Example of a contact section

    Toby Williams
    43 Iffley Road
    Bristol, BS1 9NR
    07912 345 678
    toby.williams@example.co.uk

    How to write your psychologist personal statement

    Your personal statement is one of the most important sections of your CV. It’s your chance to quickly showcase your strengths, experience, and what makes you the ideal candidate. This section should highlight your professional background, key skills and motivation for the position. Here’s how to structure your personal statement effectively:

    • Introduction and career background: Start with a brief overview of your career in psychology. Highlight your relevant experience, such as the types of clients or settings you’ve worked with (e.g., clinical, educational, counselling), and mention any specialisations or achievements that set you apart.
    • Mention your key strengths: Focus on the qualities that make you an excellent psychologist, such as your ability to build rapport with clients. Depending on your area of expertise, you could highlight your skills in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, or other psychological modalities.
    • Include some metrics: Strengthen your statement by incorporating measurable results. For example, mention how you helped improve patient outcomes or reduced client relapse rates. If applicable, mention any success in leading therapy programs or contributing to research projects with tangible results.
    • Tailor your statement to the role: Customise your personal statement to the specific psychology position you’re applying for. Align your experience with the job description, whether it’s a clinical psychologist role, a counselling position, or an industrial psychologist. This shows why you are better suited for the role than other candidates.

    Example personal statement:

    An experienced clinical psychologist with over six years of practice, I specialise in working with adults suffering from anxiety and depression. Through a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques, I have helped over 75% of my clients significantly reduce symptoms within six months. I’m looking to bring my expertise to a dynamic team where I can continue to make a meaningful impact on patient well-being.

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    How to structure your work experience to demonstrate your expertise

    The work experience section is one of the most important and examined parts of your CV. This is where you can highlight your expertise in conducting assessments and the type of therapy that you specialise in. Your goal is to demonstrate how your experience makes you an effective psychologist who can deliver positive outcomes and add value to any organisation. Here’s how to format and showcase your work experience effectively:

    • Use a reverse chronological format: Start with your most recent role and work backwards. This format allows employers to quickly see your career progression and the depth of your experience. For each role, include the name of the organisation, your job title, and dates of employment.
    • Be specific: Whenever possible, showcase your achievements with specific figures or results. Quantifying your impact makes your contributions more tangible. For example: “Developed and led a therapeutic group programme that resulted in a 25% improvement in clients’ coping skills, as measured by pre-and post-programme assessments.”
    • Tailor your experience to the role: Customise your work experience to match the specific requirements of each psychologist position you apply for. If the job listing mentions specific skills like “clinical assessments” or “family therapy,” ensure those skills are highlighted in your work experience section.
    • Be concise but detailed: While providing detailed information is important, ensure your descriptions are concise and impactful. Use bullet points to make your CV easy to read, and focus on the most relevant achievements and responsibilities, avoiding excessive details.

    Example of a work experience section for a psychologist CV:

    Clinical Psychologist | HealthFirst Clinic
    June 2020 – November 2024

    • Provided individual and group therapy to patients experiencing a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
    • Successfully reduced anxiety symptoms in clients by 30% through the implementation of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices.
    • Conducted comprehensive psychological assessments and developed tailored treatment plans that improved clients’ coping strategies and mental well-being.

    Assistant Psychologist | Bright Minds Psychology Centre
    March 2017 – May 2020

    • Assisted in conducting psychological assessments for a diverse client base, including children, adults, and families.
    • Provided therapeutic support under the supervision of senior psychologists, focusing on behaviour management and emotional regulation for children with ADHD.
    • Conducted research into the effectiveness of various therapeutic techniques, leading to a publication in the Journal of Child Psychology.

    Skills you should include on your psychologist CV

    When reviewing a psychologist CV, hiring managers look for a clear demonstration of the skills necessary to assess and treat clients, offer expert advice, and develop effective treatment plans. Your CV’s skills section should highlight both technical expertise and interpersonal strengths, showing your ability to apply psychological theories and methodologies while building and maintaining strong therapeutic relationships.

    A combination of hard skills—specific to the psychology field—and soft skills, such as communication and empathy, will position you as a well-rounded candidate capable of diagnosing, treating, and supporting your clients effectively. Aim to include six to eight key skills on your CV.

    Here are some key skills to consider featuring on your CV:

    Technical skills for a psychologist CV

    • Psychological assessment and diagnostic skills
    • Experience with therapy modalities (e.g., CBT, DBT, psychoanalysis)
    • Case management and treatment planning
    • Research design and data analysis
    • Crisis intervention and risk management
    • Familiarity with psychological testing tools and software (e.g., SPSS, Psychometrics)

    General psychologist skills

    • Effective communication and active listening
    • Strong empathy and emotional intelligence
    • Building and maintaining client relationships
    • Conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques
    • Problem-solving and decision-making
    • Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams

    How to display your education and professional affiliations

    Your education and professional affiliations play a critical role in demonstrating your qualifications, expertise, and commitment to the field. A well-organised education section highlights your academic background, while professional affiliations show that you are active in your field and dedicated to maintaining high standards of practice.

    Your education section should start with your most recent qualifications and work backwards. Include the name of the institution, degree title, and dates attended. If you’ve completed any relevant research, thesis work, or special projects, mention these as well. Postgraduate study and training are particularly crucial if you wish to become a chartered psychologist and register as a practitioner psychologist with the Health & Care Professionals Council (HCPC).

    Your education should be tailored based on the role you’re applying for, especially if it involves specific therapeutic practices or psychological assessments. 

    Example of an education section

    Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
    Registered Clinical Psychologist

    Doctor of Clinical Psychology
    University of London | 2018 – 2021
    Thesis: “Exploring the Impact of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy on Anxiety in Adolescents”

    Bachelor of Science in Psychology
    University of Birmingham | 2014 – 2017

     

    Dos and don’ts for a psychologist CV

    Do

    • DO tailor your CV to the specific type of psychology role

      Psychology is a diverse field with various specialisations, including clinical, educational, business, and counselling psychology. Tailor your CV to highlight the experience and skills that are most relevant to the specific role you’re applying for. For instance, if you’re applying for a clinical psychologist position, emphasise your clinical assessment and therapy skills, while for an academic role, highlight your research experience and publications.

    • DO include relevant postgraduate training and certifications

      Postgraduate training and certifications are essential for advancing your career and meeting the regulatory requirements to become a chartered psychologist or a registered practitioner with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). Always list any relevant postgraduate qualifications, specialisations, and ongoing professional development courses to show your commitment to expanding your expertise.

    Don't

    • DON’T forget to mention soft skills

      While technical skills and qualifications are essential, don’t neglect soft skills that are critical in psychology, such as empathy, active listening, and communication. These skills are crucial in building rapport with clients and should be demonstrated on your CV, ideally with examples of how they’ve contributed to your success in your roles.

    • DON’T include a photo of yourself

      In the UK, it’s not necessary to include a photo on your CV, and in fact, it can make your CV seem less professional. Employers should focus on your skills and experience, not your appearance. Avoid adding a photograph to keep the CV professional and aligned with industry standards.

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    Your psychologist CV questions answered

    What if I don’t have a lot of experience in psychology?

    If you’re new to the field or don’t have extensive experience, focus on your academic qualifications, internships, volunteer work, and any transferable skills from other roles. Highlight your passion for psychology, your desire to grow professionally, and any additional certifications or courses you’ve completed.

    How do I display my clinical placements and internships on my CV?

    If you’re early in your career or have completed clinical placements or internships, include them in the work experience section. List the organisation, dates, and the type of work you did, such as assessments, therapy sessions, or research. Emphasise any particular skills or knowledge gained during these placements, especially if they are relevant to the role you’re applying for.

    What is the best way to describe my therapy or counselling experience on my CV?

    When detailing therapy or counselling experience, mention the therapeutic approaches you have expertise in (e.g., CBT, psychodynamic therapy, or humanistic approaches). Provide context for the types of clients you’ve worked with and specific outcomes where possible. For example: “Provided CBT-based therapy for adolescents with anxiety disorders, resulting in a 20% reduction in symptoms over six months.”

    How do I demonstrate my experience with psychological research and publications?

    If you have contributed to research or publications, create a separate “Research and Publications” section. List any papers or articles you’ve published, the journals or platforms where they appeared, and your specific contributions. For example: “Co-author of ‘Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Treating Adolescent Anxiety,’ published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2021.”

    Should I focus more on my academic or professional experience on my CV?

    Depending on the stage of your career, the focus of your CV might shift. If you are a recent graduate, highlight your academic achievements and clinical placements or internships. As you gain more professional experience, shift the focus to your work experience, clinical practice, and achievements in psychology.

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    Create your psychologist CV with our proven CV builder

    There are more than 30,000 psychologists in the UK – so your CV needs to stand out from the crowd. To create your downloadable psychologist CV PDF, check out our trusted CV builder. We’ve got all the templates and text you need to perfect your application today.

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