Low Intensity Psychological Interventions Graduate and PG Cert

Program Overview

Student-Trainees must secure a full-time trainee PWP position with a local NHS Talking Therapies service provider to enrol on the Programmes. Positions are advertised on the NHS jobs website or through other local NHS Talking Therapies compliant provider organisations.

This programme is not to be confused with the MSc in Psychological Well-being

PWP’s work within the NHS and independent NHS Talking Therapies compliant services as part of the NHS Talking Therapies initiative to help increase access to evidence-based psychological therapies for people with depression and anxiety. They are trained to identify common mental health problems and, where appropriate, provide treatment at a low-intensity level. They also case-manage referrals or signposting to other agencies such as social care organisations.

The Low-Intensity Psychological Interventions Programmes are available at both a Graduate and Postgraduate Certificate level of study. If you don’t currently have an undergraduate degree, you will be eligible for the Graduate Certificate qualification upon successful competition on the course. If you do have an undergraduate degree, you will be eligible for the Postgraduate Certificate.

Reasons to study Low Intensity Psychological Interventions at DMU:

Programme Leader

Lisa Evans

Program Outline

Low Intensity Psychological Interventions Graduate and PG Cert

Overview

The Low Intensity Psychological Interventions (LIPI) programs provide NHS Talking Therapies training to those who are currently employed within NHS Talking Therapies and want to become Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs). These BPS Accredited Programmes provide training at two levels: Graduate Certificate and Postgraduate Certificate.

Key Program Objectives:

• Equip learners with the knowledge and skills to identify common mental health problems.
• Provide learners with the expertise to offer evidence-based treatment at a low-intensity level.
• Foster inter-professional learning and cultivate transferable skills.
• Ensure learners are eligible for employment within relevant NHS Talking Therapies Services upon course completion.

Outline

Program Content:

• The 3 program modules equip student-trainees with:
• Expertise to provide evidence-based low-intensity treatments and support (Module 2).
• Knowledge and competence to operate in diverse and inclusive work environments with strong team collaboration abilities (Module 3).
• Emphasis on practice-based learning within NHS placements (minimum 80 clinical contact hours).
• Supervision provided by both University tutors and designated supervisors within the chosen NHS Talking Therapies team.
• Each 20-credit module consists of 200 hours of learning.
• Module 2 - Evidence-based Low Intensity Treatments for Common Mental Health Problems: Equips students with the understanding and skills to utilize evidence-based psychological and regular pharmacological methods for treating common mental health problems.
This module also explores effective methods used by PWPs to facilitate client improvement. Equips students with the tools to operate in various team contexts and apply effective case management and supervision principles.
• Assessment:
Various assessment formats are used to comprehensively assess learning outcomes in each module:
• Formative and Summative Role-plays:
• Videos with Actors.
• Videos with Service Users.
• Written Exam.
• Clinical Case Planning Presentations.
• Case Reporting.
• Written Reflective Essays.
• Case and Supervision Logs.
• Portfolios demonstrating acquisition of knowledge and skills.

Teaching

Pedagogical Approach:

• Emphasis on practical application with supervised clinical experience in real-world settings with NHS Talking Therapies.
• Collaborative approach with teaching by mental health professionals (clinicians, psychologists etc.)
and NHS colleagues.
• Learning is further enhanced by inter-professional collaboration within NHS teams.
• The program focuses on practical applications and real-world skills development relevant to the NHS context.

Careers

Career Opportunities:

• Graduates may find employment in:
• National Health Service (NHS) Talking Therapies Services.
• Independent NHS Talking Therapies compliant providers (e.g., charitable and voluntary agencies).
• Other Mental Health and Wellbeing settings within Public Services.
• Private Mental Health care and independent practice (following additional certification).

Career Outcomes:

• Graduates are well-equipped to take on the role of a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) within NHS services.
• Opportunities for career advancement exist within the NHS and other public sector organizations following program completion.