Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Interventions

The Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Interventions (LICBI) programme at University College London (UCL) offers a comprehensive training pathway designed to equip mental health practitioners with essential skills in delivering low intensity cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This programme focuses on providing evidence-based, accessible mental health support through trained practitioners who can effectively address common mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills, emphasizing the application of CBT techniques tailored for low intensity interventions, including guided self-help, psychoeducation, and structured brief interventions that can be delivered in various settings, including community and primary care environments.

Throughout the programme, students engage in a blend of online learning modules, interactive workshops, and supervised clinical practice, ensuring they develop not only the necessary theoretical understanding but also the confidence to implement therapeutic strategies effectively. The programme is designed to be flexible to accommodate working professionals, with part-time study options and dedicated training days. Particular attention is given to developing competencies in establishing rapport, conducting structured assessments, and delivering brief, targeted interventions that facilitate self-management and promote mental well-being.

UCL’s approach ensures that graduates of the LICBI programme are well-prepared to work within multidisciplinary teams and contribute positively to the mental health support services they serve. The training aligns with NHS and wider healthcare priorities, emphasizing accessible mental health care delivery and increasing the number of qualified practitioners capable of managing conditions at a low intensity level. Upon successful completion, participants receive a recognized qualification, enabling them to offer effective low intensity CBT interventions across various sectors and contribute to the broader aim of improving mental health outcomes on a community level. This programme underscores UCL’s commitment to innovative, inclusive, and impactful education that addresses contemporary mental health challenges through practical, evidence-based training.

Trainees on this programme will gain the knowledge necessary for providing low intensity interventions for clients with mild to moderate depression and anxiety in their primary healthcare work setting, together with the clinical skills essential to assess and engage clients, and to deliver interventions within a guided self-help model.

Students undertake modules to the value of 60 credits.

The programme consists of three core modules (20 credits each) which are based on the Richards and Whyte (2011) Reach Out National Curriculum for Low Intensity Interventions.

Core modules

• Recognition: Engagement and Assessment of Patients with Common Mental Health Problems
• Recovery: Evidence-based Low-Intensity Treatment with Common Mental Health Disorders
• Respect and Reflection: Diversity and Context in Low Intensity Working

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, skills practice, clinical seminar skills groups, directed reading and e-learning. Assessments are through a combination of written and oral assignments. Written assignments include an examination, a case report and reflective accounts. Oral assignments are role-play client sessions and supervision sessions.

Normally a minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or a qualification of an equivalent standard. Relevant practical or work experience will be taken into account.

Funding for the Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Interventions program at University College London can be obtained through a variety of sources. Students may be eligible for financial support from government-sponsored loan schemes such as UK student loans, which cover tuition fees and provide living cost support for eligible UK residents. International students are often responsible for paying the full tuition fees, but some scholarships and bursaries may be available to assist with financial needs.

UCL offers a range of scholarships and bursaries for postgraduate students, which can significantly reduce the financial burden. These include departmental awards, university-wide scholarships, and external funding opportunities from charitable organizations and professional bodies. Applicants are encouraged to explore the UCL Scholarships and Funding webpage for detailed information on eligibility criteria and application procedures.

In addition, some students may secure employer sponsorship or funding through their healthcare organization or training bodies, particularly if the program aligns with their professional development plans. The program's focus on Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Interventions makes it relevant for mental health professionals seeking to enhance their qualifications, and employers may support such Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Educational loans and income-contingent repayments are also common options for funding the program, with repayment plans varying based on the student's income level after graduation. For international students, scholarship opportunities are more competitive, and they should investigate external funding agencies or organizations that offer international study grants.

UCL provides guidance counseling to help students identify suitable funding sources and navigate the application process. It is advisable for prospective students to start exploring their financial options early, as application deadlines for scholarships and funding programs may differ from admission deadlines. Overall, the University seeks to make education accessible, and financial support mechanisms are in place to support students through various avenues.

Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Interventions at University College London offers a comprehensive exploration into evidence-based therapeutic techniques designed to assist individuals experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. The programme is tailored for students and mental health practitioners aiming to develop proficiency in delivering accessible psychological support. The curriculum encompasses core principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), emphasizing practical skills for implementing low-intensity interventions, such as guided self-help, psychoeducation, and structured behavioural activation strategies. Participants engage with both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, including case studies and supervised practice sessions. The course may also address topics such as mental health assessment, engagement strategies, and ethical considerations relevant to low-intensity interventions. The programme is suitable for those aiming to enhance their mental health skills within clinical or community settings, or for students intending to pursue further training in psychotherapy or counselling. Typically, the course is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, and online modules, fostering both individual learning and collaborative practice. Certification upon completion indicates a solid grounding in low-intensity intervention techniques, aligning with NHS guidelines and mental health service frameworks in the UK. Although specific details such as duration, entry requirements, and fees are not publicly detailed, it is likely that the course is part of UCL’s continuing professional development offerings, integrating innovative teaching methods and current research in mental health interventions. Students may have opportunities for networking with professionals and experts in the field, gaining insights into the practical aspects of mental health support. The flexibility of delivery formats may accommodate the needs of practicing clinicians and students balancing other commitments. Overall, the programme aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to effectively deliver low-intensity CBT interventions, contributing to improved mental health outcomes within various service settings.