How to become a High Intensity CBT Therapist

Delivers high-intensity, formal CBT for moderate-to-severe common mental health problems in NHS Talking Therapies. Usually trained after working as a PWP.

Entry routes

From Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner: PGDip High Intensity CBT + 2 yrs practice (~3 yrs)
From Assistant Psychologist: PGDip High Intensity CBT (~3 yrs)

What you'll need

Certificates

Care Certificate (completed)

Qualifications

Experience

2+ years post-registration experience

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A typical path

£25,272 now → £49,387 in ~5 yrs

Healthcare Assistant
Year 0 · Band 2 · entry
£25,272
Mental Health Support Worker
Year 0.5 · Band 3 · entry
£25,760
Assistant Psychologist
Year 1.5 · Band 4 · entry
£28,392
Assistant Psychologist
Year 4.5 · Band 4 · top
£31,157
High Intensity CBT Therapist
Year 4.5 · Band 7 · entry
£49,387
High Intensity CBT Therapist
Year 6.5 · Band 7 · intermediate
£51,932
High Intensity CBT Therapist
Year 9.5 · Band 7 · top
£56,515

Common questions

How long does it take to become a High Intensity CBT Therapist?

2–3 years from PWP — see the step-by-step timeline above for a typical path.

See what you'd earn as a High Intensity CBT Therapist

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Indicative — England 2026/27 Agenda for Change basic pay, excludes High Cost Area Supplements, unsocial-hours and overtime. Typical timings are national averages, not guarantees. Not financial advice. See data sources.