How long does it take to become a CBT therapist?

One year full time on an accredited postgraduate diploma, usually after time as a psychological wellbeing practitioner or in a core profession.

Can you become a CBT therapist without a core profession?

Yes, through the KSA route, which lets you evidence equivalent knowledge, skills and attitudes for BABCP purposes.

Is CBT training funded in the UK?

High intensity training posts are salaried at Band 6 with fees paid, in return for a commitment to the service.

Route-in guide

How to become a CBT therapist in the UK

In short

The main UK route is a salaried high intensity CBT training post with an accredited postgraduate diploma. You need either a core mental health profession or to evidence Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA) as an equivalent, then work towards BABCP accreditation.

How long it takes

One year full time for the postgraduate diploma, plus the time to reach BABCP accreditation afterwards.

What it costs

Funded training posts cover fees and pay a Band 6 salary. Self-funded PGDips are typically £8,000 to £14,000.

Who regulates it

British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP), PSA-accredited register

The route, step by step

Check your core profession
Nursing, social work, occupational therapy, psychology and counselling are accepted. If not, use the KSA portfolio route.
Build relevant experience
Psychological wellbeing practitioner posts are the most common stepping stone into high intensity training.
Apply for a training post
Recruitment is to a salaried post with the university place attached, not to the course alone.
Complete the PGDip
One year, combining teaching days with a supervised clinical caseload.
Gain BABCP accreditation
Evidence supervised practice hours and ongoing supervision.
Specialise
Trauma-focused work, insomnia, health anxiety, and CBT for menopausal symptoms, which is under-served against guidance.

Your first job

Most qualify inside an NHS talking therapies service and stay a year or two to consolidate. A small private caseload alongside is the usual way therapists test whether full private practice suits them.

What does a CBT therapist earn?

Full UK pay ranges by setting, including NHS bands and private rates, with what actually moves the number.

CBT therapist salary guide

Roles open now for CBT therapists

ADHD therapist, women
Remote (UK) · £60 to £80 per hour
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CBT therapist, women's health
Remote (UK) · £58 to £75 per hour
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Psychotherapist, women's therapy service
Remote (UK) · £55 to £75 per hour
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Common questions

How long does it take to become a CBT therapist?: One year full time on an accredited postgraduate diploma, usually after time as a psychological wellbeing practitioner or in a core profession.
Can you become a CBT therapist without a core profession?: Yes, through the KSA route, which lets you evidence equivalent knowledge, skills and attitudes for BABCP purposes.
Is CBT training funded in the UK?: High intensity training posts are salaried at Band 6 with fees paid, in return for a commitment to the service.