Question 1

What is a Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner?

Accepted Answer

Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners provide early intervention and mental health support for children and young people experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, low mood, or behavioural difficulties. They deliver low-intensity, evidence-based psychological interventions and guided self-help, often within NHS services, CAMHS, local authorities, or voluntary sector organisations. CWPs work under supervision, combining practical experience with academic instruction, to support children and families in managing emotional wellbeing.

Question 2

What qualifications do Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners need?

Accepted Answer

Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners (CWP) typically require a relevant undergraduate degree in psychology, mental health, education, or a related health or social science subject. Many roles also accept candidates with professional experience in supporting children and young people’s emotional wellbeing. Additionally, CWPs usually undertake a postgraduate diploma or certificate in Children and Young People’s Psychological Wellbeing, often provided through NHS Trusts, universities, or CAMHS-accredited training programmes. This training equips CWPs with the skills to deliver low-intensity, evidence-based psychological interventions and guided self-help to children and young people experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, low mood, or behavioural difficulties.

Question 3

Do Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners need to be professionally registered?

Accepted Answer

Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners are not currently required to be registered with a statutory professional body in the UK. Unlike clinical psychologists, social workers, or nurses, CWPs are not regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or a similar statutory regulator. However, CWPs are expected to work within NHS, CAMHS, or other accredited services, adhering to professional codes of practice and ethical standards for psychological interventions with children and young people. Employers usually require CWPs to demonstrate competency through postgraduate training, supervised clinical practice, and adherence to local safeguarding and professional standards.

Question 4

Can a BABCP, BACP, or UKCP-accredited therapist apply for PWP roles in the NHS?

Accepted Answer

While therapists accredited by BABCP, BACP, or UKCP can technically apply for Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner (CWP) roles in the NHS, these positions are generally designed for entry-level or trainee practitioners delivering low-intensity, guided self-help interventions for children and young people with mild to moderate emotional or behavioural difficulties. CWP roles are usually graded at NHS Band 5 or Band 6 for trainee posts, and they focus on early intervention, structured support, and supervised practice within CAMHS, local authorities, or voluntary sector services.

Therapists who have completed BABCP accreditation in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, BACP accreditation in counselling or psychotherapy, or UKCP accreditation in psychodynamic or integrative therapy have already met rigorous postgraduate training, supervised clinical experience, and competency standards. These qualifications typically prepare practitioners to deliver higher-intensity or specialist interventions, often at Band 7 and above, working with more complex cases. Applying for a CWP role would generally be a step down in both responsibility and pay band, though some accredited therapists may choose these positions to gain experience in a CAMHS setting, support a new service, or transition into child-focused practice.

In most cases, accredited therapists are better suited for roles such as High Intensity CBT Therapist for CYP, Psychological Therapist (child and adolescent focus), or Senior Mental Health Practitioner in CAMHS, where their advanced skills and accreditation are fully utilised. While BABCP, BACP, or UKCP accreditation is not required to work as a CWP, having these qualifications enhances professional credibility, supports ongoing development, and can open opportunities for supervision, leadership, or specialist work with children and young people.

Question 5

What career progression opportunities are available for Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners (CWP)?

Accepted Answer

Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners can progress their careers by gaining experience, undertaking further training, and taking on additional responsibilities. Opportunities for advancement include roles such as High Intensity CBT Therapist, Psychological Therapist, or Senior Mental Health Practitioner. CWPs may also move into leadership positions, clinical supervision roles, or contribute to service development and training initiatives within NHS, CAMHS, or other mental health services.

Question 6

What training is required to become a Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner (CWP)?

Accepted Answer

To become a Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner, individuals typically need to complete a postgraduate diploma or certificate in Children and Young People’s Psychological Wellbeing. This training is often provided through NHS Trusts, universities, or CAMHS-accredited programmes and combines academic instruction with supervised clinical practice. The training equips CWPs with the skills to deliver low-intensity, evidence-based psychological interventions and guided self-help to children and young people. 

To access the training, you will need to apply for a position as a trainee CWP in a children and young people's mental health service.   The programme is open to anyone, with or without a degree, who has experience of working with children and young people to support their mental health. You do not need a degree to apply for the programme, but you’ll need to show that you are able to study at degree level. 

If you have a degree, you would usually study for a postgraduate certificate. If you don’t have a degree, you could study for a graduate certificate. Training is part classroom-based, part on the job.

Entry requirements for the training courses include:

- experience of working with children and young people
- proven ability to study at undergraduate level
- knowledge of child and adolescent development
- good communication and interpersonal skills

During your one-year training programme, you’ll gain a range of experience and work closely with a trained supervisor to help you engage in self-reflection, seek and respond to feedback, and develop your professional knowledge and skills.

CWPs can now register with the British Psychological Society (BPS) or the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). The register opened in April 2023 and all CWPs will need to comply with the national requirement for registration by April 2024. The BPS and BABCP websites have all the details about how the registration process works, including the annual renewal requirement. 

More information can be found on NHS Careers - https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/psychological-therapies/roles-psychological-therapies/childrens-wellbeing-practitioner

Question 7

Are there opportunities for qualified CWPs in the private sector or voluntary organisations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are opportunities for Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners in the private sector and voluntary organisations. These roles may involve delivering low-intensity psychological interventions and guided self-help to children and young people in various settings, including schools, community centres, and charitable organisations. While these positions may not always offer the same salary or benefits as NHS roles, they can provide valuable experience and contribute to the broader mental health support network for children and young people.

Question 8

What is the difference between a CWP, PWP and a High Intensity CBT Therapist?

Accepted Answer

Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners (CWPs), High Intensity CBT Therapists, and Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs) differ primarily in the level of intervention, client age group, and complexity of cases they manage.

Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners (CWPs) focus on delivering low-intensity, evidence-based interventions to children and young people experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, low mood, or behavioural difficulties. CWPs provide guided self-help, structured interventions, and early support, usually under supervision, and work primarily within CAMHS, NHS services, schools, or voluntary sector organisations. They are often employed at Band 4–6 depending on trainee or qualified status.

High Intensity CBT Therapists deliver more complex and structured cognitive behavioural therapy interventions to clients with moderate to severe mental health issues. These roles typically require postgraduate CBT training and BABCP accreditation. High Intensity CBT Therapists often work with adults, but some specialise in children and adolescents. In the NHS, these roles are usually Band 7 or above, reflecting the advanced level of skill, responsibility, and clinical autonomy required.

Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs), by contrast, are entry-level practitioners who provide low-intensity interventions to adults, such as guided self-help for mild to moderate anxiety and depression. PWPs are often employed at Band 4–5 in NHS Talking Therapies services and serve as a first point of contact, offering structured support before clients require high-intensity therapy.

In summary, PWPs focus on low-intensity adult interventions, CWPs focus on low-intensity child and adolescent interventions, and High Intensity CBT Therapists deliver complex, high-intensity therapy to either adults or children with more severe or complex mental health needs. The main distinctions lie in client age, intensity of therapy, supervision requirements, and professional accreditation.

Question 9

Where can I apply for Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners (CWPs) roles?

Accepted Answer

To apply for Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner (CWP) roles, individuals should regularly check job listings on the NHS Jobs website, local NHS Trust websites, and relevant job boards like Harmonia Careers. 

Applications typically require completion of an online application form including a CV, a personal statement demonstrating relevant experience and motivation for the role, and details of any required qualifications or training. 

At Harmonia Careers, we list many CWP NHS roles across the UK, making it easy for jobseekers to find trainee, qualified, and senior positions within CAMHS, local authorities, and other accredited services. We also provide tailored job alerts, career guidance, and support to help applicants navigate the application process and connect with employers. Networking with professionals in the field, attending relevant training sessions, and seeking advice from current CWPs or supervisors can further enhance your application and improve your chances of securing the right role.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner?down

What qualifications do Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners need?down

Do Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners need to be professionally registered?down

Can a BABCP, BACP, or UKCP-accredited therapist apply for PWP roles in the NHS?down

What career progression opportunities are available for Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners (CWP)?down

What training is required to become a Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner (CWP)?down

Are there opportunities for qualified CWPs in the private sector or voluntary organisations?down

What is the difference between a CWP, PWP and a High Intensity CBT Therapist?down

Where can I apply for Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners (CWPs) roles?down