As a PWP, you’ll be part of talking therapy services like NHS Talking Therapies, helping people tackle common mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. Working alongside a variety of healthcare professionals, including CBT therapists, GPs, counsellors, and community groups, you’ll play a key role in improving access to mental health support and empowering individuals to manage their recovery.
You’ll work with adults from all walks of life, conducting person-centred assessments, identifying risks, and creating treatment plans together. Your role involves providing evidence-based treatments, guiding people through their journey, and signposting or referring them to additional support when needed.
Interventions can be delivered one-on-one, in group settings, or through workshops, with options for phone, video, or face-to-face support. Whether it’s through CBT-informed interventions or computerised self-help, you’ll help people change the way they think, feel, and behave — leading to better mental wellbeing and a higher quality of life.
How to Train As a PWP
To become a PWP, you’ll need to apply for a trainee or apprentice PWP role within an NHS Talking Therapies service – this is your route into training. These positions are advertised on NHS job sites and other recruitment platforms.
There are training options for both graduates and those without an honours degree who meet the academic requirements for the postgraduate qualification.
If you don’t have a degree but have relevant life experience and a passion for talking therapies, you can apply for the Level 6 apprenticeship route.
To be eligible, you’ll need:
- A Level 5 qualification
- GCSE Maths & English (Grade C/4+) or Functional Skills Level 2
Please note: Strong interpersonal skills are essential for all applicants.
What to Expect In Training
Once you secure a trainee post, you’ll complete a BPS-accredited NHS Talking Therapies training course. This typically involves:
- 45 days of academic study (one day per week)
- Supervised in-service practice over an academic year
- Fully funded training with a Band 4 AfC salary
This approach allows you to gain hands-on experience while earning a salary and developing the skills needed to support others through talking therapies.
Career Progression
Once you’re qualified as a PWP, there are lots of opportunities to advance into more senior roles. These could include:
- Specialist training in areas such as long-term conditions or perinatal mental health
- Supervisor training to support and mentor other PWPs
- Managerial roles within mental health services
Many PWPs also go on to train as High-Intensity CBT Therapists, Counsellors, or Psychologists, further expanding their career options.
Progressing to High-Intensity CBT training
If you have completed NHS-funded training, you will need a minimum of two years of post-qualification experience as a PWP before being eligible for further NHS-funded training, such as High-Intensity CBT courses. The recommended experience level is three years. For specific queries, contact your service or training provider.
PWP Registration
PWPs must be registered with either the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) or the British Psychological Society (BPS). Full details about registration with BABCP is available here.
