NHS Pathways pilot programme extended

We are excited to confirm that NHS England is extending the NHS Pathways pilot programme to a further cohort of students. 

The NHS Pathways pilot is a groundbreaking postgraduate programme, which launched in September 2022. It has provided core training in person-centred experiential counselling for depression, dynamic interpersonal therapy and couples therapy for depression.

The first cohort of 42 NHS-funded trainees will complete their courses and placements in September. They will then start their roles as psychotherapeutic counsellors in NHS talking therapies services across the UK. 

Following the announcement that the pilot will be extended to a further cohort, Jon Levett UKCP CEO said, ‘We welcome  the decision to extend this landmark programme. It can be regarded as recognition of the need for greater patient choice in NHS services and it supports in making training more accessible.’ [SS1] [HW2] [SS3] 

Student recruitment for the extended pilot will open soon. The training will be delivered by the three original pilot programme providers.

How is the NHS Pathways pilot training accredited?

This training is accredited by five of the six Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy Bodies (PCPB) organisations with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) acting as the lead accrediting body.

The five partners involved are:

1. UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
2. Association of Christians in Counselling and Linked Professions (ACC) 
3. British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
4. British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) 
5. National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) 

This initiative will continue to open opportunities:

• to improve the choice of therapies available in the NHS
• for increasing accessibility into the counselling and psychotherapy profession, especially for those from disadvantaged groups who are less able to self-fund core training. This supports our equality, diversity and inclusion objectives as applicants are typically from a range of socio-economic backgrounds
• to enhance the PCPB partnerships reputation within the NHS, solidifying close working relationships with key decision makers and policy teams
• for funded pathways to core training that attracts a more diverse workforce into the profession
• to provide future tendering opportunities for training providers affiliated with the partners of the joint accreditation