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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To retrain as a clinical psychologist at 38?

21 replies

Lavenduhhh · 30/10/2025 19:35

I'm 38, mum of two, married, been working in mental health all my working life, currently on 30k, no career progress unless I want to manage (which I don't, at least not in this role).
I started a masters in 2019 and left after 1 year due to the pandemic as I was the main carer for the kids and obviously the schools were shut. I left a full year into the course and gained a postgraduate certificate for it which has helped me gain my current role (which I enjoy).
My DC are 16 and 14 now, eldest won't be going to uni but youngest might. They don't need childcare. We're at year 1 of a 5yr mortgage fix of £550. My DH (40) just qualified as a plumber and is so happy to have retrained and will be earning more every year than has ever done. So I feel we can afford for me to go back to uni.
I have an undergrad, the pgcert mentioned and a lifetime of MH career. I'm looking at doing a Psychology conversion MSC for 14mths followed by trying to get a clinical psych doctorate (fully aware how competitive]. I'm looking at an assistant psych role after my masters I think? Is that correct? If so, I'd be earning about what I'm earning now. The Msc course will Cost me 8k and we are self funding.
I'm looking for opinions of those in the field and specifically, what does your day look like?

I've considered counselling and have a level 3 counselling qual and I enjoy it but don't want it to be 100% of the role... I just don't enjoy it as much as a varied role (like I'm in now).
I enjoy academia and am very able. I enjoy performing assessments and have an interest in neurodiversity. I've had 7 years of private therapy and am mentally stable.

Ultimately, earning well does matter to me. Based on all of this, I'd love thoughts from those in the field.

OP posts:
BishyBarnyBee · 30/10/2025 19:40

My understanding is that there is phenomenal competition for those roles. It's possible your wide experience would stand you in good stead, but equally possible you would lose out to younger candidates. Hopefully someone in the field will be along to advise you, but I'd do some in depth research into potential job opportunities before taking the plunge and investing significant time and money.

Original poster
Lavenduhhh · 30/10/2025 19:46

BishyBarnyBee · 30/10/2025 19:40

My understanding is that there is phenomenal competition for those roles. It's possible your wide experience would stand you in good stead, but equally possible you would lose out to younger candidates. Hopefully someone in the field will be along to advise you, but I'd do some in depth research into potential job opportunities before taking the plunge and investing significant time and money.

Thanks for the reply. Yes I'm trying to cast a wide net in terms of research - weirdly enough mumsnet does form part of this as I've read probably every thread on here about clinical psych over the years. It's a dream I've never quite let go of but my DHs retraining took precedence (due to my choice).

OP posts:
MustbeLoveontheBrain · 30/10/2025 19:47

I'd second that, it's a very difficult field to get jobs in.
Are there any NHS roles that interest you? Many of them pay you to train and guarantee a job afterwards. They are probably just as competitive but at least you won't waste your money doing a qualification you might not use.

Original poster
Lavenduhhh · 30/10/2025 19:51

MustbeLoveontheBrain · 30/10/2025 19:47

I'd second that, it's a very difficult field to get jobs in.
Are there any NHS roles that interest you? Many of them pay you to train and guarantee a job afterwards. They are probably just as competitive but at least you won't waste your money doing a qualification you might not use.

Yes this is part of what I'm researching too - the problem I seem to be running into is that my undergraduate degree is not in this field. I've been looking at the IAPT trainee positions - what's putting me off so far is that those jobs seem to be fixed contracts and I'm not sure which way the NHS is going longterm. Would gladly hear more about the IAPT if anyone knows? I don't want to spend energy training in this only to require another 8k top up course in a few years time.

OP posts:
Bluessister · 30/10/2025 20:00

In my field you can look up people on linkedin to help get an idea of career paths and qualifications, would that work here to help you understand your likely chances?

MumChp · 30/10/2025 20:07

If you can afford it go for it!

Pinkballoonx · 30/10/2025 20:13

I’m a clinical psychologist - happy to answer any questions. In terms of the day-to-day, it’ll vary a lot depending on the service you work in. When working in adult mental health I mainly did 1-1 therapy (very occasionally I’d do some consulting or a neuropsych assessment).

Comparatively, when working in a forensic service I did a bit of everything (some 1-1 therapy, some group therapy, supporting the wider team, audits, risk assessments, research etc). What is it that attracts you to clinical psychology in particular, rather than CBT therapy, mental health nursing etc?

Happy to answer anything more specific if it’s helpful

vivainsomnia · 30/10/2025 20:29

Go go for it. You have the right experience and maturity. Yes it is very competitive, but you are in a good position. Follow your dream.

Howlongdon · 30/10/2025 20:32

Everyone always says you should never try to train as a Clin Psy or an Ed Psy because it’s so competitive… but someone has to get on the course and why shouldn’t it be you?! Start keeping a reflective journal now, best of luck.

PermanentTemporary · 30/10/2025 20:32

Seems to me you are just the sort of person who can and should do this. Hope you go for it.

indoorplantqueen · 30/10/2025 21:16

Go for it! I retrained in a similar field when I was in my 30’s. Experience counts for lots.

Blev2022 · 30/10/2025 22:11

I work in IAPT. Previously as a PWP and for the last 7 years as a CBT Therapist. I've completed my EMDR training and there is also the option for IPT training. Happy to answer any questions you may have. I chose IAPT as it was less competitive at the time (I worked as an assistant psych and people were basing everything around getting onto the doctorate which was and continues to be massively competitive)

I enjoy my role, I also do some private work and am a supervisor.

Chattanoogachoo · 30/10/2025 22:25

My son has a 1st class psychology degree, 4 Pg certs , 2 years of working in safeguarding and a PhD gained in a mental health related subject.He's now applying for clinical psychology phd's and we're mesmerised by how difficult a pathway he's chosen.
He intends to work as an associate psychologist if necessary until he gets into the clinical psychology course.Im assuming that may also be a pathway for the op.
Best of luck with it and remember it may not be a linear route for you but there's usually a way through.
Ds did the Pg certs while working and they've been accepted as the equivalent of a masters.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 30/10/2025 22:38

If you have experience with kids consider the educational psychology doctorate too

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 30/10/2025 22:39

In 3-4 years time you’re going to be 41/42 anyway- why not be a Dr too!

BinNightTonight · 30/10/2025 22:42

I think your age and experience will work in your favour. You'd be wanting an Assistant Clinical Psychologist job or a Research Assistant job. I was an Assistant Psych for years but personally didnt do my doctorate. Two people from my team did go on to the doctorate, it did take them years and multiple applications, there were a few who either gave up or got another job for more experience before reapplying. Good luck, you've got this x

BinNightTonight · 30/10/2025 22:46

Similar roles may be ... psychological wellbeing practitioner (senior wellbeing practitioner) or you could do your CBT training and be a CBT Therapist.

justjuggling · 31/10/2025 02:30

Perhaps look into Recruit to Train roles if your certificate counts as sufficient clinical/professional experience? My MH service has just recruited to 6 trainee posts and they’ll be on B6 during training then B7 post qualification and registration. We have CBT posts up to an 8B across the service so lots of development opportunities.

Pinkballoonx · 31/10/2025 11:25

Chattanoogachoo · 30/10/2025 22:25

My son has a 1st class psychology degree, 4 Pg certs , 2 years of working in safeguarding and a PhD gained in a mental health related subject.He's now applying for clinical psychology phd's and we're mesmerised by how difficult a pathway he's chosen.
He intends to work as an associate psychologist if necessary until he gets into the clinical psychology course.Im assuming that may also be a pathway for the op.
Best of luck with it and remember it may not be a linear route for you but there's usually a way through.
Ds did the Pg certs while working and they've been accepted as the equivalent of a masters.

This is a good route but worth mentioning you can’t progress to doctoral training for 2 years after doing the associate psychologist training.

coldiris · 31/10/2025 11:27

If it's a genuine passion, then definitely go for it. If it's just about money, I am not so sure. I understand there is huge competition in this field and a path to becoming a fully qualified practitioner is pretty long, especially if you want to offer counselling etc.

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