What Is It Really Like Working as a UK Clinical Psychologist in the UAE?

In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, we explore what it’s really like working as a UK-trained Clinical Psychologist in the UAE. If you’ve ever wondered about relocating abroad, practising outside the NHS, navigating private healthcare systems, or balancing career progression with lifestyle changes, this conversation offers a realistic and informed perspective.

I’m joined by Dr Jack Nejand, a UK-trained Clinical Psychologist who moved from South London to Abu Dhabi. We discuss visas, licensing, tax differences, CAMHS-style work in the UAE, insurance-based healthcare models, relocation logistics, career development abroad, service development opportunities, and what life actually feels like on the ground.Whether you’re considering working as a psychologist overseas, exploring expat life, or simply curious about international career pathways in clinical psychology, this episode provides clarity without selling a fantasy.

This conversation is especially relevant for:

1. UK Clinical Psychologists considering relocation
2. DClinPsy applicants thinking long-term about career options
3. Psychologists navigating burnout or financial pressures
4. Anyone curious about working in private healthcare abroad

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 – Why psychologists are considering working abroad
2. 04:03 – How the opportunity to move to the UAE emerged
3. 06:51 – Telling family and friends about relocating
4. 08:27 – Why more young professionals are leaving the UK
5. 10:00 – The lifestyle reality of living in Abu Dhabi
6. 15:39 – Cohabitation laws and cultural considerations
7. 17:00 – What CAMHS looks like in the UAE
8. 21:02 – Insurance-based healthcare explained
9. 25:15 – Clinical severity and thresholds compared to the NHS
10. 27:27 – CPD, conferences and career development abroad
11. 28:48 – Visas, licensing and Emirates ID
12. 31:13 – Pension, leave and employment differences
13. 34:52 – Bringing UK service models into UAE schools
14. 38:37 – Assistant Psychologist roles and early-career pathways

Links:

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