How to Become a CBT Therapist in the UK?

Imagine helping someone break free from anxiety they’ve battled for years. That could be your Tuesday.

If you’re looking for a job that gives back every single day, this is it. Whether you already work in mental health or you’re just starting out, learning how to become a CBT therapist in the UK could be your next best step.

Here’s the main thing: You need a degree or solid experience in mental health. Then, you train in a CBT course approved by the BABCP. After that, you work with clients under supervision, apply for accreditation, and start your career in the NHS, schools, or private practice.

This guide breaks it all down—step by step.

What Is CBT and Why It Changes Lives

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) helps people see how their thoughts shape their feelings and actions. It treats anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, eating problems, and more. But it doesn’t just help the people you work with. It also changes you. You don’t just give tools—you use them too. You’ll watch people grow. And you’ll grow with them.

How to Become a CBT Therapist in the UK: Step-by-Step

1. Start With the Right Background

You need some background in mental health. That could be:

• A degree in psychology, nursing, counselling, or something similar
• Or, four years of hands-on work in a mental health role

No degree? No problem. You can go through the KSA route. It stands for Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes. You’ll build a detailed portfolio that shows your experience and learning.

2. Choose Your Path: Adults or Children

You can work with adults, children, or young people. That choice shapes your training.

• Adults: You’ll help people with anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, and more
• Children and Young People (CYP): You’ll help with issues like school stress, panic, self-harm, or low mood

Think about who you’d most want to help. That’s your path.

3. Pick a BABCP-Accredited CBT Course

This step matters most. You must train in a course approved by the BABCP (British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies).

Most people take one of these:

• Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
• Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
• Master’s (MSc) in CBT

These courses teach CBT theory and give you real experience. They run through unis and NHS services.

A few top options:

• Goldsmiths, University of London – PGDip or MSc
• University of Reading – CBT for Children and Young People
• Oxford University – PGCert in CBT
• Cardiff University – 2-year PGDip

Make sure the course is BABCP-accredited. That’s how you join the register later.

4. Train While You Work (And Get Paid)

Many courses come with a job. You train and work at the same time. These jobs are called High Intensity CBT Trainee roles. The NHS funds your course and pays your salary.

• You work part-time in a clinic or NHS service
• You study one or two days a week
• You earn around £31,000 a year while training

Keep an eye on NHS Jobs. These roles pop up every spring.

5. Get Supervised Experience

Every course includes real therapy work. You’ll:

• See real clients in real sessions
• Get about 100–200 hours of therapy experience
• Get around 70 hours of close supervision

You’ll learn by doing. You’ll grow fast. And your confidence will skyrocket.

BABCP Accreditation: Your Final Step

After training, you apply to become fully accredited by the BABCP. To apply, you’ll need:

• Proof that you finished a BABCP-accredited course
• Logs of your client hours and supervision
• Written case studies
• Proof that you keep learning through CPD

This shows that you’re ready to practice CBT the right way. You’ll renew your status every five years. That keeps your skills sharp.

Where CBT Therapists Work (and What They Earn)

Once you qualify, you’ve got options:

• NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT) – for adult mental health
• CAMHS – for children and teens
• Schools – to support pupils with emotional needs
• Charities – like Mind or YoungMinds
• Private Practice – build your own therapy business

Most new therapists start in the NHS. You’ll earn around £42,000 to £49,000. Later, you can move into leadership, training, or work for yourself.

Study Options That Fit Your Life

You don’t need to study full-time. Pick what suits your life best:

• Full-Time: Quickest path, but needs full focus
• Part-Time: Easier to balance with work or family
• Online or Hybrid: Learn at home with some in-person practice

Even online students need in-person therapy placements. You need that real-world practice. If you pay your own way, expect to spend £5,000–£15,000 a year. But NHS-funded routes cover all of it.

No Degree? Go the KSA Route

If you’ve worked in mental health for years but don’t have a degree, that’s fine.

Build a KSA portfolio. Prove that you’ve:

• Helped people with their mental health
• Learned about psychology and therapy models
• Built strong working relationships with clients

It takes work, but many people do it—and succeed.

Why CBT Transforms You Too

CBT isn’t just a job. It’s a shift in how you think. You’ll help someone manage their panic. You’ll teach someone to challenge negative thoughts. You’ll watch them take back control.

And in doing that—you change too. You’ll become calmer, clearer, and more grounded. That growth stays with you.

Not Ready for Full Training? Try CPD First

If a full course feels too big right now, take a smaller step. CPD courses (Continuing Professional Development) are a great place to start.

They’re short, low-cost, and packed with value. You’ll:

• Build real skills in counselling and mental health
• Boost your confidence
• Show future employers you’re serious about the field

Plus, many CPD courses help you decide if CBT is right for you. You don’t need to dive in all at once. You can build your way up.

The Power of Peer Support and Mentorship

You don’t have to do this journey alone. Many new therapists grow faster when they connect with peers or mentors. Sharing wins, struggles, and tips with others makes the process feel less heavy—and a lot more human.

You can:

• Join CBT or counselling forums online
• Link up with support groups or study circles
• Reach out to past students or working therapists

These conversations often spark insight and remind you why this path matters.

What to Expect Emotionally in This Career

Working in mental health is deeply rewarding—but it’s also emotional work. You’ll carry stories, hold pain, and sometimes feel drained. The key is to look after yourself, too. That means:

• Keeping strong boundaries
• Talking to your supervisor or peers
• Making time for rest and joy

A healthy therapist helps more people. So take your own wellbeing seriously.

What You Can Do Now

Want to get going? Start here:

1. Check your background—degree or mental health experience
2. Look for CBT courses approved by the BABCP
3. Watch NHS Jobs for trainee roles
4. Explore low-cost CPD courses to build skills
5. Reach out to someone already doing the job

Take one small step. Then another. That’s how big things begin.

Final Thoughts: This Isn’t Just a Career

It’s a calling. You’ll help people get better, stronger, and braver. You’ll look back in five years and feel proud you said yes. You won’t just change lives. You’ll change yours.

Need a Head Start?

Many CBT therapists begin with short courses. If you want to build strong foundations, check out our Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Training at CourseCave. Learn the skills. Earn a certificate. Start your journey with confidence.

Your future self will thank you.