You'll usually need an accredited postgraduate course in cognitive behavioural therapy and experience of working in mental health.

To do a postgraduate course, you'll usually need a degree in a health and social care subject like:

• mental health nursing
• social work
• counselling
• art therapy
• psychology

You might be able to get onto a postgraduate course without a degree if you have the knowledge, skills and attitudes required by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You'll find it useful to get experience of working in mental health.

You could:

• volunteer at a mental health charity like Mind, Rethink Mental Illness or Turning Point
• find volunteering opportunities though The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do IT
• get advice about volunteering in the NHS

If you're already a qualified healthcare professional, you might be able to do cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) training with the NHS. 

You could apply for roles like trainee psychological wellbeing practitioner or high intensity therapist.

You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• active listening skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

You could work with individuals or groups to:

• assess if a client will benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy
• discuss therapy plans, build trust and teach skills and techniques
• focus on what a client wants to change and encourage them to talk
• give advice to other health professionals and talk to family members
• keep records and follow data protection and confidentiality rules

You could work at a health centre, in an NHS or private hospital, in the community, in a prison or in a therapy clinic.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.