Clinical training programmes
The unit aims to grow and develop the NHS mental health workforce across health and social care settings. It does this by upskilling individuals and supports the application of evidence-based practice. We offer a wide-ranging portfolio of professional training programmes including:
- Adult Mental Health and NHS in Talking Therapies
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsych)
Clinical Psychology (DClinPsych)
Newcastle University runs a three-year Doctoral programme, commissioned by NHS England. The programme aims to train clinical psychologists. This is so they can meet the needs of our NHS and regional services. The programme is designed and delivered in conjunction with local psychology Services within the NHS and third sector settings. The Programme holds accreditation from the British Psychological Society (BPS). It's registered by the Health & Care Professionals Council (HCPC). The clinical psychology programme at Newcastle is one of the longest established in the UK. It has celebrated nearly 60 years in practice. It's part of the School of Psychology in the Faculty of Medical Sciences. We commit to an evidence-based and grounded ethos, within this programme. We integrate research and clinical practice throughout. On completion of the course, trainees will be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC. They'll also be able to apply for chartered clinical status with the BPS.
The programme also offers two optional therapy-specific accreditation pathways. These are with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and the Association of Family Therapy (AFT). In their third year, trainees have the option to enter one of these pathways. This is so they can work towards therapy-specific accreditation. This means trainees have the option of also becoming qualified in one of these therapies.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy PGDip
This level two BABCP accredited professional qualification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the longest established CBT diploma programmes in the country.
Our programme is delivered by committed and experienced CBT therapists, trainers and supervisors. It is designed to train you in evidence based, innovative CBT approaches. We aim to recruit trainees who share our values. You’ll be someone who places client care at the heart of everything you learn and do. You’ll be committed to your own personal and professional development. You’ll aspire to become a skilled CBT therapist who can adapt therapy to individuals from a range of diverse backgrounds. You’ll enable people to reach their full potential.
The BABCP website has more information about the requirements of the KSA.
Low Intensity Psychological Therapy PGCert
This programme trains Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners under the NHS England talking therapies initiative. Low intensity therapy makes up part of the NICE guidelines for evidenced based treatment of mild to moderate common mental health problems.
Low intensity therapy helps patients self-manage their symptoms of depression and anxiety. It does this using primarily cognitive and behavioural interventions. The programme will equip aspiring Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs) with the skills to provide low intensity CBT. This is usually within a public or third sector healthcare setting. When qualified, PWPs often work in an NHS or public sector clinical setting. This is usually on band five and six (NHS or equivalent) salaries.
The programme incorporates a wide range of informed pedagogic methods. Trainees will develop their clinical skills and theoretical knowledge through various delivery methods. We value every trainee who trains with us at Newcastle University. Our lecturers and tutors have vast clinical experience as a PWP. They will make an effort to get know their trainees on an individual level. This allows them to support the personal development of trainees throughout the programme.
The programme emphasises research and development into clinical practices within the PWP profession. The deputy programme director is the academic chair for the PWP community of practice. They work with other academic and PWP professionals within the Northern region. This helps them to develop innovation in research. The deputy director is also a member of the BABCP Low Intensity special interest group. They encourage trainees to actively get involved in projects happening on the programme and within the Unit.
NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression - Supervisor Training
The NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression (previously known as IAPT) Supervisor training courses are available for:
• High Intensity Therapists (HIT)
• Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWP)
These courses have been commissioned by NHS England. They’re aimed at NHS Talking Therapies staff who are currently supervising HIT or PWP trainees and clinicians in service.
Course participants will benefit more if they can reflect on learning from current, active supervision practice. Each participant should be working with a supervisee before starting the course.
All applicants should be qualified as either a PWP or HIT. They should have been practicing in this role for at least a year post-qualification.
The High Intensity programme consists of five days in total and the PWP programme four days in total.
Participants will leave with a statement of attendance and academic achievement, where attained. There is an expectation that all teaching sessions are attended. This may require client sessions to be re-scheduled.
Staff suitability
The CBT training curriculum assumes that the therapists attending will be BABCP accredited.
The PWP training is for qualified PWPs with at least one year of post-qualification experience.
Before commencing, training attendees will be asked to confirm that they are actively supervising in service.
Topics covered will include:
- professional and organisational context of supervision
- the supervisory relationship
- clinical case management
- supervision of interventions (at both PWP and HIT level)
- group supervision
- developing reflective practice
- evaluation of supervisee concerns and practice
NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression - Short Courses
These courses will be commissioned by NHS England from 2025 and are developed using national curricula. They aim to develop assessment and intervention skills of PWPs and CBT therapists.
The courses provide NHS Talking Therapies staff with skills and competencies to work with patients with anxiety and depression in the context of their Long Term Conditions (LTC) or Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS). The design is to give a broad-based introduction to the skills of working with patients with LTC or MUS. The courses involve six full teaching days for PWPs and 11 full teaching days for CBT therapists.
Participants will leave with a certificate of academic achievement where attained. It is an expectation that participants attend all teaching sessions. This may require client sessions to be rescheduled.
Staff suitability
The CBT training curriculum assumes that the therapists attending will be BABCP accredited.
The PWP training is for qualified PWPs. They must have at least one year of post-qualification experience.
Topics covered will include:
- LTC/MUS presentations
- biopsychosocial assessment skills
- formulation skills in an LTC/MUS context
- disorder specific treatment protocols
- treatment adaptations
- group work and psychoeducational
- promoting cognitive and behavioural change and self-management
- working within and across an organisation