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IAPT: Diploma in Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Interventions
The National IAPT programme has led to the new, innovative and exciting role of the Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (also known as Low Intensity
Worker, Graduate Mental Health Worker). This role is based upon a new model of intervening early, using low intensity CBT interventions to promote good mental health and facilitate the empowerment of service-users to steer their own recovery. Our high quality training programme is based on the Reach Out National Curriculum for Low Intensity Interventions. It provides a practical understanding of the context of primary care settings and the IAPT model. We incorporate a variety of engaging and practically based teaching methods including workshops, skills practice and clinical seminar skills groups. The focus of the course being on the training of practitioners to deliver effective low intensity interventions, such as behavioural activation, exposure, sleep management and problem solving, as well as support for medication taking, within a guided self help model.
If you are interested in working in an IAPT service and gaining entry onto this course you will firstly need to apply for posts within an IAPT service. You can look for these posts on the NHS jobs website. Also, you can look out for recruitment drives by visiting the IAPT website.
Career prospects
Successful completion of the training course enables you to continue providing low intensity psychological interventions within IAPT services. Options for career progressions include supervising and managing other LI practitioners, as well as specialising in clinical interests. Other prospects include becoming an educator, working in research, high intensity training (after 2 years) and clinical psychology training.
Testimonials
“We were a large group of students from a wide range of backgrounds. This diversity gave rise to colourful discussion and a broad range of opinions. I enjoyed this enormously. The teaching was very good, with speakers brought in from elsewhere to share their expertise on a range of subjects. There were plenty of opportunities to practice our new role, through role play and small group work, which kept us all active participants and gave us confidence for the 'real thing'. " IAPT student
"I found the weekly group supervision sessions extremely helpful - it was both reassuring and inspiring to hear the successes and challenges experienced by my fellow students, and to know that I was not alone.” IAPT student
“The great thing about the course is that we can apply what we learn directly in our daily practice and it better enables us to help clients overcome their difficulties. It’s exciting to be part of the IAPT initiative and exchange my experience with trainees from other London boroughs both informally and formally in group supervision.” IAPT student
"The course has been enjoyable and I feel that I am developing the skills that will not only help my patients and me in this job, but in my future career. Having had Assistant Psychologist experience, this course is challenging me and preparing me for the next level of my career.” IAPT student
“The outline of the course was really structured and useful, which helped address any prior concerns I had and also enabled me to learn a lot at a good steady pace.” IAPT Student
How do I apply?
Entry to this course is through employment with an IAPT site. Applications cannot be made though UCL or the Anna Freud Centre. Positions are coordinated centrally and advertised on NHS jobs net. Recruitment is organised in tranches. Details of forthcoming recruitment drives are advertised on the IAPT website
Contact
For all enquiries related to this course, please contact suzanne.bell@annafreud.org
