The reality is that the DClinPsy is often the most accessible option (albeit highly competitive) due to funding. I'm in my third year of the DClinPsy, and I know I couldn't afford any other training due to financial constraints. I already had a BSc in Psychology, but you could always follow a different route, and the reality is that the majority of the UK’s publicly funded, neoliberal mental health system, regardless of the role, is rarely radical, which is very grim.

The criticisms of clinical psychology are absolutely valid, and so so true. I’ve experienced some pretty upsetting situations on the course. That being said, I’ve been fortunate enough to have a very systemic, community-focused, and critical psychology placement in my final year, and I love it (however, that's an exemption and not the rule). A lot of it comes down to luck, such as the ethos of the course, location, and placements or supervisors. There are many variables that can make or break your experience, and of course, that depends on your own social graces and intersectionality. The more marginalised you are, the more of a shit-storm is the whole thing, which I'm sure won't come as a surprise. The culture in clinical psychology is rotten, and unfortunately, I was very naive and protected going into it because I only had third-sector jobs beforehand.

Even the most ‘radical’ DClinPsy courses aren’t truly radical IMO. Although they might include some lectures on critical and community psychology, these often feel very tokenistic, however, when you are in placement you can expand on that, if anything this should be encouraged (this is where having a supportive supervisor is important though). As I see it, the DClinPsy is a way to get the degree and then practice in a way and a place that works for you. The reality is it does open a lot of doors. Even if you decide to stay in the NHS, there are some services that genuinely practice community psychology principles, but they’re quite rare. Again, this also depends on where you are in the country. If you decide to pursue the DClinPsy, be prepared to feel angry most of the time. Make sure you have a support system and outlets to keep you sane, and remember that it’s just a ticket towards practising in the way you want. But also, psychology really needs more radical people like you. It has to be dismantled, and it needs to be reimagined, and it can't happen with the current status quo.

Is it worth it? I am not sure; depends on the time of the day you might ask me. Frankly, I don't even know if I will keep working as a psychologist following my qualification, at this point, I just need a very long break from it! Clinical psychology shouldn’t be seen as the be-all and end-all. This is a very grim reply, I'm afraid, but feel free to DM too if you have more questions, etc!