Question 1

What does a CBT therapist do?

Accepted Answer

A Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT therapist) helps people identify and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour that contribute to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health difficulties. They use structured, evidence-based techniques to help clients challenge negative thoughts, manage emotions, and develop practical coping strategies. CBT therapists typically work within NHS Talking Therapies services, hospitals, private practices, or charities. Their work involves assessments, one-to-one or group therapy sessions, progress reviews, and collaborative goal-setting to support long-term recovery and resilience.

Question 2

How do I become a CBT therapist in the UK?

Accepted Answer

To become a CBT therapist in the UK, you’ll usually need a core professional background in psychology, nursing, social work, or counselling, followed by postgraduate training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It's recommended that practitioners complete a BABCP-accredited postgraduate diploma or master’s degree to meet professional standards. After qualifying, you can apply for roles such as trainee or high-intensity CBT therapist, often starting at NHS Band 6. Once you have sufficient supervised practice and experience, you can apply for BABCP accreditation, which is considered the gold standard for CBT professionals.

Question 3

What qualifications do I need to work as a CBT therapist?

Accepted Answer

Most employers require applicants to hold a postgraduate qualification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy from a BABCP-accredited training provider. You’ll also need a relevant core profession, such as psychology, counselling, occupational therapy, or mental health nursing, although some people qualify through the “Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes” (KSA) route. For NHS roles, accreditation or eligibility for BABCP accreditation is often essential. Strong communication, empathy, case formulation, and reflective practice skills are key to success in this profession.

Question 4

What is BABCP accreditation and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

BABCP accreditation is a professional standard awarded by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies. It recognises therapists who meet rigorous standards of CBT training, supervised clinical experience, and ongoing professional development. Accreditation demonstrates to employers and clients that a therapist is competent, ethical, and committed to maintaining evidence-based practice. Most NHS and private CBT therapist roles list BABCP accreditation as an essential or desirable requirement. It also enhances professional credibility and can open opportunities for supervisory, teaching, or clinical leadership positions.

Question 5

What is the difference between a CBT therapist and a psychological therapist?

Accepted Answer

While both CBT therapists and psychological therapists work to improve clients’ mental health, a CBT therapist is specifically trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, focusing on structured, goal-oriented interventions. Psychological therapists, on the other hand, may draw from a range of therapeutic approaches including psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, compassion-focused therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), or integrative methods. In the NHS, the term “psychological therapist” is often used as an umbrella title for roles involving evidence-based talking therapies, including CBT.

Question 6

What NHS Salary Band will a CBT therapist be paid?

Accepted Answer

CBT therapists are most commonly employed at NHS Band 7, reflecting a qualified high-intensity therapist level. Trainee CBT therapists typically start at Band 6, while senior or supervisory roles fall under Band 8A and above. The exact banding can depend on experience, qualifications, responsibilities, and whether the post involves supervision or service leadership. NHS roles generally offer structured progression, with opportunities to advance through higher bands as therapists gain experience, accreditation, and specialist expertise.

Question 7

What is the salary for a CBT therapist in the UK?

Accepted Answer

CBT therapist salaries vary depending on experience, sector, and region. In the NHS, qualified high-intensity CBT therapists usually earn between Band 7 (£46,000–£52,000 per year), while senior or specialist roles (Band 8A and above) can exceed £58,000 per year. Trainee CBT therapists generally start at Band 6, with pay increasing upon qualification. Private practice rates can vary widely but often range from £50 to £100 per session, depending on experience, location, and demand. Many therapists combine part-time NHS work with private clients to diversify income and experience.

Question 8

Are there trainee CBT therapist jobs available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, trainee CBT therapist roles are regularly advertised, particularly within NHS Talking Therapies services. These posts allow candidates to complete an approved postgraduate CBT training programme while gaining supervised clinical experience. Trainee therapists are usually employed on a fixed-term Band 6 contract, progressing to Band 7 after qualification and accreditation. Competition can be strong, so candidates with prior experience in mental health support, psychology, or counselling often have an advantage when applying.

Question 9

Can a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist apply for Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) in the NHS?

Accepted Answer

While a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist technically can apply for Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) roles in the NHS, it’s generally not the most suitable or common career path. PWP roles are entry-level positions within NHS Talking Therapies services (formerly IAPT), designed for individuals delivering low-intensity, guided self-help interventions. These posts are usually graded at Band5 and focus on structured support rather than full cognitive behavioural therapy.

A BABCP-accredited therapist has already completed advanced postgraduate CBT training and is qualified to deliver high-intensity therapy — typically at Band 7 or above. Applying for a PWP post would represent a significant step down in both responsibility and pay band. However, some accredited therapists may choose to apply for or support PWP roles if they’re seeking to gain experience in NHS systems, transition from private practice, or enter a new locality service. In most cases, though, BABCP-accredited professionals are best suited for High Intensity CBT Therapist, Psychological Therapist, or Senior Mental Health Practitioner positions within the NHS.

Question 10

Can CBT therapists work remotely?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many CBT therapists now work remotely, providing online therapy via secure video platforms or telephone. Remote CBT has become increasingly common since the expansion of digital healthcare and NHS Talking Therapies services. Therapists can deliver structured, evidence-based sessions from home, often offering flexible working arrangements that balance clinical delivery with supervision and training. Remote roles are available across the NHS, charities, and private organisations, providing opportunities to work with clients nationwide.

Question 11

What career progression opportunities are there for CBT therapists?

Accepted Answer

CBT therapists have excellent career progression opportunities across the NHS and private sectors. After qualifying, therapists can advance from Band 6 trainee to Band 7 practitioner, and later to senior or specialist positions at Band 8A and beyond. Some progress into clinical supervision, teaching, or service management roles, while others move into private practice or research. With experience and BABCP accreditation, therapists may also specialise in areas such as trauma, complex mental health, long-term conditions, or child and adolescent mental health (CAMHS).

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268 Cognitive Behavioural Therapist Jobs

Frequently asked questions

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CBT & Psychological Therapy Jobs UK

268 Cognitive Behavioural Therapist Jobs

Frequently asked questions

What does a CBT therapist do?down

How do I become a CBT therapist in the UK?down

What qualifications do I need to work as a CBT therapist?down

What is BABCP accreditation and why is it important?down

What is the difference between a CBT therapist and a psychological therapist?down

What NHS Salary Band will a CBT therapist be paid?down

What is the salary for a CBT therapist in the UK?down

Are there trainee CBT therapist jobs available?down

Can a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist apply for Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) in the NHS?down

Can CBT therapists work remotely?down

What career progression opportunities are there for CBT therapists?down