Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (CAAP)

Clinical Associates in Applied Psychology (CAAPs) work in Scotland as a member of a team delivering psychological services with clients within specified ranges of conditions and age. This includes primary care/adult mental health settings or areas involving children, young people, and their families. CAAPs work alongside other professionals (e.g. Clinical Psychologists and Cognitive Behavioural Therapists) delivering specialist psychological practice.

The CAAP role is specific to Scotland. It was established in 2006 to improve access to mental health services. CAAPs work as independent clinicians with a defined range and severity of problems experienced by a particular client group. The level of clinical responsibility a CAAP has is decided by the employing Health Board and they work under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist. This takes in to account the nature of the service and the local arrangements.