Release time: 2026-04-02 15:30

Mounting concerns over cuts to clinical psychology training places in Wales 

The British Psychological Society is deeply concerned that a reduction in the number of clinical psychology training places in Wales by nearly a fifth will severely impact patient care. 

By BPS Communications

The society responded as Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) published figures this week showing that the number of Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsych) training places in the country will be cut from 54 to 44 from next year (2026-27).

This is a reduction of 18.5 per cent and bucks the trend in England and Scotland, which have expansion plans for clinical psychology training places.

The BPS described the news as extremely worrying.

Dr Bethan Phillips, co-chair of the BPS's Division of Clinical Psychology in Wales, said:

"We're deeply concerned by these plans.

"Wales already has too few practitioner psychologists. Cutting places further will damage the quality, safety and access to psychologically-informed care.

"We're aware of the current difficult financial climate but have grave concerns about the ability to build a sustainable psychological workforce.

"At the very least, we believe the current number of DClinPsych training places should be maintained."

The figures come on top of plans to also pause the Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (CAAP) MSc programme for 2026/27.

HEIW currently funds 20 places a year on the programme but under the plans, no trainee CAAPs will be recruited next year.

Dr Phillips added:

"These combined plans will have a severe negative impact on the Welsh public and people's ability to access psychologically-informed care when they need it."