A clinical psychologist is a doctoral-level healthcare professional trained to assess and treat a wide range of psychological difficulties. In the UK, clinical psychologists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and typically hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) following a psychology undergraduate degree and extensive supervised clinical experience.
Clinical psychologists work across the lifespan and within a range of settings including NHS hospitals, community mental health teams, primary care, and specialist services. They use an evidence-based range of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), neuropsychological assessment, and systemic approaches.
For cardiac arrest survivors, a clinical psychologist may be involved where psychological difficulties are complex, persistent, or not responding to lower-intensity interventions. Relevant presentations include PTSD, severe depression, health anxiety significantly affecting function, adjustment disorder following a life-altering diagnosis, or cognitive difficulties related to hypoxic brain injury requiring formal neuropsychological assessment. Clinical psychologists also support families and co-survivors who are struggling with the psychological impact of their loved one’s arrest.
Access is typically via GP or specialist referral (from a cardiologist, cardiac nurse, or cardiac rehabilitation team). Waiting lists vary by area. Cardiac psychology services embedded within cardiology departments are not yet universally available but are considered best practice.
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