The Work

One-to-one and group client work with physically unwell patients in clinical settings.  

Development of healthcare policy at local, regional, national, and international levels.

Health promotion in the community and in organisations.

Training in psychology for health professionals and the education of trainee health psychologists.

Development of effective interventions through research.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

In order to become a Health Psychologist, an accredited honours undergraduate degree where psychology is the major subject is required. Completion of a recognised accredited postgraduate training programme in Health Psychology is then necessary. Recognition with the The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), is the learned and professional body for psychology and psychologists in the Republic of Ireland.

• Must complete a period of postgraduate training of at least 3 years

• Health Psychologists in the UK are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council

• Professional representation via Division of Health Psychology, BPS/PSI

Stage 1 - MSc - certifies academic knowledge base.

Stage 2 - at least 2 years supervised practice - professional competence, research, consultancy, teaching and training and delivery of psychological interventions.

Last Updated: April, 2024

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €90k

Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, grade, location, and experience. 

Data Source(s):
HSE/ Jooble/ Irishjobs/ Forsa/Glassdoor/ Jobted

Last Updated: April, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth was above the national average for this occupation, although employment in 2022 were similar to 2021 levels. The CSO Census data shows that employment was spread across a large number of roles in 2022, with increases across all within this occupation since 2016.

While the numbers employed have increased since 2016, for the most part, the supply from the education and training system has not, and plans to expand training will not have an impact on the potential supply to the labour market in the short-term, given the duration of training required. This has led to issues for a number of roles within this group; for instance, there is an increasing number of students opting to study veterinary medicine in Poland due to the lack of available places to study in Ireland.

Psychologists and pharmacists were added to the employment permits Critical Skills list in June 2022 although new permits issued in 2022 primarily related to radiographers/sonographers, with a small number issued for dentists and pharmacists. With a quarter of those employed aged 55 years or older, replacement demand alone will create job opportunities in the coming years. Demand remains high across these occupations and issues with recruitment are occurring; however, as the numbers employed are too small across the roles for detailed analysis, evidence of shortages are difficult to determine.

• Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI)

  • Digital Office Centre Camden, 12 Camden Row, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 8, D08 R9CN, Ireland
  • (0)87 387 7179
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• European Health Psychology Society (EHPS)

  • [email protected]
  • Click Here