Child and Young Person IAPT Therapy

Child and Young Person IAPT Therapy at University College London offers a comprehensive training programme designed to equip mental health professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver evidence-based psychological therapies to children and adolescents experiencing mental health difficulties. The programme emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating theoretical frameworks, clinical practice, and research evidence to ensure practitioners are well-prepared to meet the complex needs of young clients. Participants will develop a robust understanding of child development, psychological assessment, therapeutic techniques, and ethical considerations relevant to working with children and young people. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, supervised practice, and case studies, students will gain practical experience in delivering interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and other evidence-supported modalities tailored for young populations. The curriculum is designed in close alignment with NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) standards, aiming to enhance accessibility and quality of mental health services for children and adolescents across the UK. Graduates of the programme will be qualified to work as accredited practitioners within NHS services, schools, or private settings, contributing to the early detection and treatment of mental health issues in young populations. The programme also fosters research literacy and encourages ongoing professional development, ensuring practitioners stay current with emerging trends and best practices in child and adolescent mental health therapy. With the support of UCL’s renowned faculty and access to cutting-edge research facilities, students will be immersed in an academically rigorous environment that promotes innovation, compassion, and ethical practice. By completing this programme, participants will be empowered to make a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people, supporting them through critical developmental stages and fostering resilience for a healthier future.

Students will gain a critical understanding of the CYP IAPT model of service change, outcome monitoring, and fundamentals of evidence-based psychological therapies to common mental health problems in childhood and adolescence (anxiety, depression, and conduct problems). They will develop skills in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) Parent training, Systemic Family Practice or Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents depending on their option choices.

Students undertake modules to the value of 120 credits.

The programme consists of a core module (60 credits) and optional modules (total value 60 credits).

Core modules

• CYP IAPT: Model and Basic Skills

Optional modules

• Select either CYP IAPT: CBT for Anxiety Disorders and CYP IAPT: CBT for Depression
• Or CYP IAPT: Parent Training for Conduct Problems
• Or CYP IAPT: SFP Basic Skills and SFP Eating Disorders
• Or SFP for Depression and Self-harm and SFP for Conduct Disorder
• Or Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered at the Anna Freud Centre and King's College London, and is taught by leading practitioners in the field. Teaching is a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, clinical practice with on-going cases, and clinical supervision groups. Assessment is through essays, log book, case studies, oral presentations and reflective analysis.

Normally a minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in a relevant subject (e.g. psychology) and/or a registerable professional qualification in a relevant subject (e.g. medicine, psychology, social work) from a UK university or overseas professional qualification of an equivalent standard. Candidates without a degree, but with a minimum of three years professional experience in a CAMHS (or equivalent) setting together with a relevant professional qualification will also be considered.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Child and Young Person IAPT Therapy program at University College London (UCL) offers a range of financing options to support prospective students in their academic pursuits. Tuition fees for this program vary depending on the student's residency status. For UK students, the tuition fee is approximately £9,250 per annum, consistent with standard undergraduate and postgraduate credits at UCL. International students can expect higher tuition fees, which typically range between £20,000 and £25,000 per year, reflecting the university's fee structure for international students across health-related programs.

In addition to tuition fees, students should also consider additional costs such as registration fees, examination fees, and expenses related to placement requirements, which are integral to therapy training programs. UCL offers various scholarships and bursaries aimed at reducing financial burdens for eligible students. For instance, the Vice-Chancellor's Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships provide partial fee waivers based on academic merit. The UCL Graduate Research Scholarships are also available for master's students, covering tuition fees and offering maintenance stipends.

Funding options include government-backed loans for UK students, such as Student Finance England, which can provide loans to cover tuition fees and maintenance costs. International students are encouraged to explore scholarships offered by their home governments or external funding bodies. UCL also facilitates access to student employment opportunities, including research assistantships and part-time roles, allowing students to supplement their income during studies.

Furthermore, students enrolled in the Child and Young Person IAPT Therapy program can benefit from placement stipends and support schemes designed to facilitate practical training. These placements are crucial for acquiring hands-on experience and are often supported through specific funding packages. The university's financial aid office provides dedicated advice to help students navigate available funding sources and application procedures.

Overall, financing a degree in Child and Young Person IAPT Therapy at UCL involves a combination of tuition fees, funding via scholarships and bursaries, government loans, and employment opportunities, all aimed at making postgraduate education accessible. Prospective students are advised to visit the university's official website or contact the financial aid office for the most current and tailored information regarding funding options, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines.

Child and Young Person IAPT Therapy at University College London offers advanced training for mental health practitioners specializing in psychological interventions for children and adolescents. The program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver evidence-based therapies tailored to the developmental needs of young clients. Covering a broad range of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and family interventions, the course prepares graduates to work effectively within the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) framework. The curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with practical clinical placements, enabling students to apply their learning in real-world settings under supervision. Emphasis is placed on understanding the unique psychological, emotional, and social challenges faced by children and young people, including anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and trauma. The program also explores issues related to safeguarding, ethical considerations, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. Students benefit from UCL's research-active environment, with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research projects related to child and adolescent mental health. The course aims to produce practitioners who are competent, compassionate, and reflective, capable of making a meaningful difference in the lives of their young clients. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for roles within NHS mental health services, educational settings, and charitable organizations focused on youth mental health. The program's duration, entry requirements, and specific modules may vary, but all are designed to meet professional standards and accreditation criteria set by relevant health and mental health authorities. Overall, the Child and Young Person IAPT Therapy at UCL is committed to developing skilled professionals dedicated to enhancing mental health care for children and adolescents across diverse communities.