Training FAQs

I would like to start training as an IPT Practitioner, what are the course pre-requisites?
The course pre-requisites are as follows:

Evidence of completing a course of study in a model of psychological therapy
A minimum of two year of post-qualification experience delivering psychological therapy.
At least two years’ employment in an NHS, private capacity or voluntary institution delivering psychological therapy with adults.
Registration with a professional body (HPC, BPC, APC, BPS, UKCP or BACP registration, or an equivalent registration outside of the UK)

Applicants should have a mental health qualification and at least two years' post-qualification experience of providing psychological therapy for people with mental health problems. Applicants who have completed two years' full-time training in delivering psychological therapies, e.g. final year clinical psychology trainees, are also welcome to apply. Applicants with a range of training backgrounds are welcome e.g. clinical and counselling psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, nurse therapists, social workers, occupational therapists, and GP’s. IAPT staff can attend this course and should indicate that they require IAPT compliant training when applying. The course is not suitable for applicants who wish to acquire basic therapeutic skills.

What happens if I move to a different service while I am working towards my accreditation (with supervision, cases, recordings of sessions etc.). Can I start new cases with a new IPT qualified supervisor?
Continuing IPT training must be negotiated with your supervisor and new employer. Transferring funding forward will be subject to conditions of the original funding agreement e.g., if it was limited to one region or service setting.

What happens if I move to a non-IAPT service? Can I continue working towards accreditation with private clients and private supervision?
IAPT funding is exclusively available to IAPT staff working in IAPT services. Casework completed outside of that setting would need to be funded by you or your new service. This casework can be completed in an NHS or private setting with an accredited IPT supervisor.

I have completed my Level A training and moving onto casework. How long have I got to complete this?
Trainees are expected to complete their caseload within 3 years of Level A training, if your training is expected to take more than 3 years you will need to complete a training extension form (found on the homepage our website).
This may have some financial implications as first year memberships with IPT UK are free, and £45/year thereafter.

I have opted to temporarily suspend my training until my personal circumstances have changed. What are the implications for accreditation and IPT UK membership?

If you anticipate completing accreditation within 3 years of completing training, nothing needs to be done.
If your training is expected to take more than 3 years you will need to complete a training extension form (found on the homepage our website).

IPT UK will record the temporary suspension and cancel your membership on JoinIt (until you decide to resume). This has some implications for the cost of your membership as first year trainee memberships are free and cost £45 for subsequent years.

I am an IPT trainee who has returned to work following a period of leave (e.g., maternity leave) or I have been unable to do casework following my training. What are the implications for accreditation and IPT UK membership?

Up to 2 years break in practice or delay in starting casework: You will be required to attend a refresher day before starting or resuming appropriately supervised casework.
Over two years delay in starting casework: You will be required to attend the 5 day practitioner course again..

I am an IPT-A Practitioner and would like to start seeing adults, is there a training course?
There is no formal training course required in order to start seeing adult clients if you are already an accredited IPT-A therapist (NB this applies with the assumption that you are up-to-date with your IPT UK accreditation fees and CPD requirements). Our advice for this transition from seeing adolescents to adults is that you contact an IPT UK-accredited supervisor (who is trained in seeing adult clients and supervising IPT practitioners) to discuss this and see if they are happy to supervise you. You would then have your first adult cases supervised more closely (i.e. having supervision more frequently than once per month, which is our standard supervision requirement). Please note there is no requirement to make any formal paperwork submissions or recordings, but you and your supervisor may consider it helpful for you to complete some paperwork together to support the transition to seeing adult clients. It is also up to you and your supervisor together to decide how many cases you need close supervision for, before moving to a more usual schedule of supervision (i.e. at least once per month).

I would like to start training as an IPT Practitioner but do not meet the requirements. Is there a route for KSA applicants or those without a core profession?
Yes - applicants can train to be a registered IPT UK Organisation Member. Applicant must successfully compete a Training course run by an IPT UK trainer leading to Organisation Membership. Please see here for more info