Are you interested in a career with NHS Somerset Talking Therapies?

Somerset NHS Talking Therapies is part of a network of NHS Talking Therapies services across England, designed to provide short term recovery focused treatment for adults with common mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety disorders. We can also support patients to cope better if they have experienced a traumatic event or are struggling to live with a long term physical health condition.

We offer specialised assessments and use psychometric measures to understand a patient’s primary difficulty and provide the best support and treatment. We use a stepped care model, recommending the least intrusive intervention first when appropriate. We also closely liaise with other services, such as GPs, health visitors and the Community Mental Health Team, to establish and provide the best care.

Psychological wellbeing practitioners (PWPs)

Senior PWPs

Assessment workers

Cognitive behavioural therapists

Psychological therapists (counsellors)

Team leaders

Service leaders

Trainees supported by qualified members of staff.

PWPs are mental health professionals in NHS Talking Therapies services. They are trained to assess and treat common mental health difficulties and support patients in the self-management of their recovery, while liaising with other healthcare professionals and managing any risk. They deliver cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) interventions through a variety of formats, such as face to face, telephone, group and online programmes.

Becoming a PWP

There are different routes to becoming a PWP, with varying combinations of learning, assessment and placement. Most will require at least 1 year’s prior experience in a mental health setting or other relevant personal/life experience.

A common route to becoming a PWP is to complete a certificate in low intensity CBT interventions. This involves academic work through a university and supervised practice through employment in a local Talking Therapies service. Prior experience needed for this would be a level 5 qualification or level 6 degree. Other routes to becoming a qualified PWP include completing a master’s level degree with PWP placement (3 years at undergraduate level with dissertation research project, plus an additional placement year), or a PWP apprenticeship.

Career progression

After a minimum of two years’ experience as a PWP, you can look to progress into roles such as a Senior PWP taking on clinical supervision and management. Others may look to complete further training to become a high intensity CBT therapist. Further progression opportunities include PWP service lead or other clinical psychology roles.