How to Become a CBT Therapist in NHS Talking Therapies

High-intensity CBT therapists treat people with moderate to severe anxiety disorders and depression. They're the backbone of NHS Talking Therapies' step 3 care and are increasingly employed in secondary care, perinatal and physical health services.

Entry routes

Most NHS trainee CBT posts ask for either a core professional training (for example mental health nursing, social work, OT or clinical psychology) or evidence that you meet BABCP's Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA) criteria. Qualified PWPs who meet the two-year post-qualification rule are a common source of trainees.

Training

The NHS-funded route is usually a one-year postgraduate diploma in CBT, taken while you're employed as a trainee high-intensity therapist.

Pay

Trainee posts are commonly advertised at Band 6, and qualified CBT therapists at Band 7 (£49,387 to £56,515 in 2026/27). Senior and lead therapists reach Band 8a and above.

Accreditation

After qualifying you apply for BABCP accreditation, which most NHS and many private employers expect.

Beyond CBT

Talking Therapies also trains therapists in other NICE-recommended approaches, including counselling for depression, IPT, DIT, couples therapy and EMDR, which gives counsellors and psychotherapists other routes into NHS roles.

Browse trainee and qualified roles under CBT and Psychological Therapies on Mental Health Jobs, and set a job alert.