As a Health Psychologist, you would focus on how biological, social and psychological factors influence health and wellbeing. The focus is on promoting healthy behaviour and avoiding illness.
You would work with individuals and families either on a one-to-one basis or in groups in a variety of different settings including within the home, hospitals, clinics or doctor’s surgeries.
In addition, you would work with healthy community members and healthcare professionals.
Some of the key roles are:
- Designing strategies to improve health care
- Helping people deal more effectively with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or cancer
- Underpinning the processes which can explain, predict and change health behaviours
- Improving communications between health care practitioners and patients
- Providing expert advice or consultancy
- Clinical work (assessments, interviews, tests and psychological intervention)
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Looking at the psychological effects of having an illness and helping patients, carers and families to cope
- Research and teaching
Qualifications - How do I become a Health Psychologist?
What relevant work experience would I need?
You’re essentially free to pursue whatever research questions interest you within your field and range of skills.