Low Intensity Assessment and Intervention Skills for Psychological Wellbeing Practice PgCert

Course overview

In 2008 the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies project began in order to improve the capacity of psychological therapy services for people with common mental health problems (depression and anxiety) in the UK. The psychological wellbeing practitioner role was created as part of this project in order to support the delivery of psychological therapies within a stepped care system.

The stepped care system is promoted by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) which works on the principle of offering the least intrusive and most effective treatment (low intensity interventions) in the first instance and increasing the intensity of treatment as required. This accredited programme provides education and training that meets the requirements of the Department of Health (2015) curriculum for psychological well-being practitioners by:

• providing you with a substantial knowledge base appropriate to master's level study
• facilitating the acquisition of core therapeutic and technical skills that underpin low intensity psychological interventions
• enabling you to develop a positive attitude and commitment towards lifelong learning and personal and development planning
• ensuring you are prepared to meet the challenges of current and future contemporary mental health services.

Where you study

Online and at Teesside University. To meet the required clinical and supervision requirements of the course you must be working within an IAPT service with access to a qualified PWP supervisor.

This may be as an employed trainee (throughNHS jobs) or on a voluntary contract. IAPT services interview with the course team for the voluntary placements.

How you are assessed

Assessment is through role-play and real patient activities, an examination, written assignments, and practice competencies.

Career opportunities

This course prepares you for your role as a qualified psychological wellbeing practitioner.