Primary care graduate mental health worker
Primary care graduate mental health workers give treatment and support to people with mental health problems.
Salary range: £24,214 to £43,772
How to become a primary care graduate mental health worker
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- applying directly
University
You could do a degree in psychology or health and social care, and then apply for a place on a postgraduate training course.
After your degree, you’ll be employed in the health service and complete Improving Access to Psychological Therapy training, approved by the British Psychological Society.
This 12-month course is made up of 1 day of academic study and 4 days of supervised practice each week.
Entry requirements
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More information
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
Volunteering and experience
You’ll usually need paid or voluntary experience of working with people who have mental health issues or people with disabilities. You can contact the voluntary services co-ordinator or manager at your local NHS trust about work experience opportunities.
Direct application
You can apply directly if you’ve got relevant skills and knowledge. Employers will look for:
- qualifications in nursing, social work, occupational therapy, arts therapy or other psychological therapy
- experience and training in cognitive behavioural therapy
You’ll complete an Improving Access to Psychological Therapy training course while you work.
More information
Career tips
Experience of working with people with mental health problems will be helpful.
Further information
You can find out more about working in primary mental health care from Health Careers.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- knowledge of psychology
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
- to be flexible and open to change
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to work well with others
- to enjoy working with other people
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- customer service skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and requirements
You’ll need to:
You may need a driving licence for some jobs.
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- designing and running group therapy sessions
- promoting good mental health in the community
- signposting people to relevant services
- keeping accurate and up-to-date patient care records
- supporting and training other healthcare professionals
- developing and setting up new mental health support services
Working environment
You could work at a health centre, at a client’s home or at a GP practice.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could train as a high intensity therapist, working with people with complex mental health needs.
You could also lead a team or develop new mental health services.