Child & Clinical Psychologists in the UK
Find verified child and clinical psychologists across the UK. The SEND List connects families with HCPC-registered psychologists experienced in autism and ADHD assessment, anxiety, trauma, school refusal, learning difficulties, and therapeutic support for children and young people.
Find a Verified Child Psychologist Near You
What Is a Child & Clinical Psychologist?
A child psychologist and a clinical psychologist are both trained to assess, understand, and support children’s psychological and emotional wellbeing, but their routes and titles differ. Child psychologists typically hold a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited degree in psychology and postgraduate training in child development and educational or developmental psychology. Clinical psychologists hold a doctorate in clinical psychology (DClinPsy) and are registered with the HCPC — they are trained to work with the full range of psychological difficulties, including complex mental health conditions.
In practice, families often seek either a child psychologist or a clinical psychologist for very similar reasons: cognitive and diagnostic assessment, therapeutic support for anxiety, trauma, or behavioural difficulties, consultation for school and family challenges, and assessment for autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other specific learning differences. The most important factors are the psychologist’s specific experience with children, their areas of specialisation, and their HCPC registration or BPS chartered status.
What Do Child Psychologists Assess and Treat?
Child and clinical psychologists work with a wide range of presentations in children and young people. Common reasons families seek a private assessment or consultation include autism spectrum assessment, ADHD assessment and diagnosis, cognitive ability and IQ assessment (for gifted children, learning difficulties, or EHCP evidence), anxiety disorders including separation anxiety, generalised anxiety, and social anxiety, school refusal and emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), trauma and post-traumatic stress, depression and low mood, behaviour and conduct difficulties, attachment difficulties, and parent-child relationship challenges. Many psychologists also offer therapeutic intervention — either directly alongside assessment, or as a separate referral following diagnostic work by another professional.
Child Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, or Educational Psychologist?
Parents often ask about the difference between these three roles. Educational psychologists (EPs) are specifically trained to work within educational contexts — they assess how children learn and what support they need within school settings, and their assessments are commonly used in EHCP applications. Child psychologists and clinical psychologists can also produce EHCP evidence, but their primary focus is on psychological wellbeing, mental health, and diagnosis rather than educational support strategies.
For autism or ADHD assessment, both clinical psychologists and, in some cases, child psychologists may be qualified to carry out diagnostic assessments — although clinical psychologists with specialist training are generally the most recognised route. If you are unsure which professional is right for your child’s specific needs, many psychologists offer a brief initial consultation to help you decide.
How Much Does a Private Child Psychologist Cost?
Private child and clinical psychology services in the UK typically cost between £100 and £250 per hour for therapy or consultation, and between £1,500 and £3,500 for a comprehensive assessment including a written report. Costs vary depending on the psychologist’s qualifications and experience, the complexity and scope of the assessment, whether a diagnostic report is included, your location within the UK, and the length and depth of the therapeutic programme. Some psychologists offer sliding-scale fees for families on lower incomes — it is always worth asking. Assessments for EHCP purposes may carry an additional fee for attendance at meetings or report updates.
What Happens in a Child Psychology Assessment?
A comprehensive child psychology assessment typically begins with an initial parent or carer consultation to gather developmental history and background information. The psychologist will then meet directly with the child for one or more sessions, using a combination of structured assessment tools, observation, and clinical interview. Standardised tools commonly used include cognitive ability tests (such as the WISC-V), adaptive behaviour scales, autism diagnostic tools (such as the ADOS-2 and ADI-R), and ADHD rating scales and behavioural checklists.
Following assessment, the psychologist will produce a written report summarising findings, formulation, diagnosis (where applicable), and recommendations. This report can be shared with schools, GPs, local authorities, and used as evidence in EHCP applications or annual reviews. Many psychologists also offer a follow-up meeting to discuss the report and answer questions.
No Referral Needed
You do not need a GP or NHS referral to access a private child or clinical psychologist. You can search our directory, contact a specialist directly, and arrange an assessment or consultation at a time that suits your family. Many psychologists offer an initial call to discuss your child’s needs before booking a full appointment.
What Qualifications Should a Child Psychologist Have?
Registration with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) is a legal requirement for anyone using the protected title of “Practitioner Psychologist” in the UK — this includes clinical psychologists. In addition, look for chartered status with the British Psychological Society (BPS), which indicates that the psychologist has met the BPS’s standards for professional competence and continuing development. For specialist assessment work, check that the psychologist has specific training in the relevant assessment tools (such as ADOS-2 certification for autism assessment). All psychologists listed on The SEND List are verified for HCPC registration or equivalent professional status.
Therapeutic Approaches Used by Child Psychologists
Child and clinical psychologists use a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to the child’s age, presentation, and preferences. Commonly used approaches include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for anxiety, low mood, and OCD, adapted CBT for autistic children, trauma-focused CBT and EMDR for children who have experienced trauma, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation difficulties in adolescents, family therapy and systemic approaches for relational and behavioural challenges, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT). Many psychologists draw on multiple approaches within a single therapeutic relationship, adapting their method to what works best for the individual child.
Child Psychology, Schools and Education, Health and Care Plans
Reports from HCPC-registered clinical psychologists and chartered child psychologists are accepted by local authorities as evidence in EHCP applications and annual reviews. If your child is being assessed for an EHCP, a psychological assessment can provide essential information about their cognitive profile, mental health needs, and the specialist provision required to meet those needs. Psychologists can also provide consultation to school staff, attend annual review meetings, and support families in understanding how their child’s psychological profile affects their learning and behaviour in school. Where a child’s psychological needs are significant, a psychologist’s recommendation may influence the type of educational setting named in the EHCP.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need a clinical psychologist or a child psychologist?
Both can carry out assessment and therapy for children. Clinical psychologists hold a doctorate and HCPC registration, making them the standard route for diagnostic assessments such as autism or ADHD. Child psychologists may hold chartered BPS status. The most important factors are the individual’s experience with your child’s specific needs and the tools they use.
Can a psychologist diagnose autism or ADHD?
Yes. Clinical psychologists with the appropriate specialist training can carry out diagnostic assessments for autism and ADHD. For autism, look for psychologists trained in the ADOS-2 and ADI-R. For ADHD, check that the psychologist uses a recognised clinical interview alongside standardised rating scales. Diagnosis is typically reached through a multi-method assessment process.
Will a private psychology report be accepted for EHCP purposes?
Yes. Reports from HCPC-registered clinical psychologists and BPS-chartered psychologists are accepted by local authorities as evidence in EHCP assessments and annual reviews. Make sure the report is clearly written, addresses your child’s needs in educational as well as clinical terms, and includes clear recommendations.
How long does a child psychology assessment take?
A comprehensive assessment typically takes between two and four sessions, plus time for scoring and report writing. The full process from initial appointment to receiving a written report usually takes four to eight weeks with a private psychologist.
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Many children need more than one kind of support. These related guides help parents compare connected routes.