Psychological therapists are generally in high demand in the UK, especially those with recognised training/accreditation such as CBT/high-intensity therapy, counselling for depression, EMDR, child and adolescent work, trauma, neurodiversity-related support, and NHS Talking Therapies experience.

For full time positions entry-level psychological therapy roles in the UK usually start around £27k–£31k, while more advanced trainee therapist routes, such as high-intensity CBT, may start higher because they usually require prior experience or a core profession.

For locum work £30–£36/hr is a normal locum CBT/psychological therapist range. £40–£50/hr is strong and usually needs good experience, accreditation or a harder-to-fill service. £60–£75/hr is possible, but more likely in specialist CAMHS, complex presentations, London/private settings, or urgent contracts.

A practical minimum for employability is usually a recognised counselling/psychotherapy/CBT/PWP qualification + supervised client hours + professional body membership/registration. For stronger employability, especially NHS or locum work, the most valuable credentials are usually a BABCP accreditation for CBT, BACP/UKCP accreditation or registration for counselling/psychotherapy, or HCPC registration for psychologist roles.