Therapy Trainee - Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents (IPT-A)

Therapy Trainee - Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents (IPT-A)

Please note you need to complete 2 applications. One for applying for the position with our team, and the other for the University Course for the UCL/Anna Freud course team to review.

Anna Freud has an exciting opportunity for a CYP Psychological Trainings: Therapy Trainee (Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents, IPT-A) to join its Specialist Clinical Services as part of the NHS England (NHSE)-funded Children and Young People (CYP) Psychological Training Programmes.

This NHS England-funded initiative supports the development of the child mental health workforce. It combines a one-year, full-time employment post with UCL/Anna Freud postgraduate training, offering the opportunity to put teaching into practice through supervised assessments and brief, outcome-focused IPT-A interventions for adolescents experiencing depression.

About Anna Freud

Anna Freud is a world-leading mental health charity for children, young people and their families. Our mission is to close the gap in wellbeing and mental health by advancing, translating, delivering and sharing the best science and practice with everyone who impacts the lives of children, young people and their families. More information about Anna Freud is available on our website.

Our EDI Commitment

Anna Freud is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, with equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) at the heart of our recruitment practices. We welcome applications from all candidates who meet the job criteria, regardless of ethnic origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, socioeconomic background, caring responsibilities or care experience.

As a Disability Confident employer, disabled candidates who meet our criteria are guaranteed an interview. Applications are submitted anonymously and assessed fairly against the criteria outlined in our job profiles. We also invite candidates to share their diversity information to help us identify and address potential bias. This information is held securely by our Recruitment team and is not shared with hiring managers or interview panels or used in selection decisions.

We aim to provide reasonable adjustments where operationally possible to ensure an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. All employees are expected to uphold Anna Freud's safeguarding, confidentiality and information governance policies.

What we offer

We offer a range of staff benefits, including an all-in-one rewards and recognition platform called Perkbox and wellbeing offers such as finishing early on Fridays and free counselling through our Employee Assistance Programme. We are proud to have staff-led Diversity Networks offering unique opportunities for learning, connection and impact.

Training information

The UCL/Anna Freud postgraduate training in IPT-A begins in January 2027. Trainees are Anna Freud employees and enrolled students of UCL/Anna Freud. The programme combines academic teaching, self-study, supervised clinical casework and assignments. Successful completion leads to a UCL Postgraduate Diploma.

Teaching takes place in person at Anna Freud in Central London (4-8 Rodney Street, N1 9JH). Clinical practice takes place within Anna Freud's Specialist Clinical Services and relevant community and school settings, so trainees must be able to meet the travel requirements of the role.

What you'll do

• Assess referrals, including mental health and risk assessment, and deliver supervised, evidence-informed IPT-A interventions for adolescents experiencing depression.
• Work collaboratively with young people, families, the multidisciplinary team, schools, primary care, social care and other services.
• Embed the voice of young people and families, collect routine outcome measures, and maintain accurate, confidential clinical records.
• Attend weekly clinical supervision and regular managerial supervision, complete all postgraduate training requirements, and follow Anna Freud's safeguarding and clinical governance procedures.

What we're looking for

We are seeking highly motivated candidates who want to support adolescents experiencing depression through inclusive, evidence-based IPT-A practice. Applicants should be committed to the programme principles of accessibility, accountability, participation, awareness and evidence-based practice.

• A registered or accredited core qualification in a mental health profession and current registration with the relevant professional body.
• A minimum second-class bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, or mental health professional training, with at least two years' post-qualification experience delivering supervised psychological therapy.
• At least two years' post-qualification therapeutic experience with young people and/or their families in a mental health setting, including multi-agency working and knowledge of safeguarding, risk assessment and IPT-A principles.
• Ability to communicate sensitively, reflect on challenging work in supervision, maintain records and manage caseload demands while balancing postgraduate study with clinical practice.
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, collaboration and the travel requirements of the role.

Application process

This is a dual application process. You must apply separately for the Anna Freud employment post and the UCL training course, and be successful in both. The UCL Course Team will review academic eligibility during recruitment. A UCL training place will only be offered if you secure the employment post and meet the university's requirements.

UCL course application: Apply through the UCL online application portal

Candidates should also read the 'UCL CYP PT: Therapy - Application Guidance for Candidates', including NHS England's two-year post-graduation funding rule, before applying.

Closing date

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 18 November

Key details

Employer and contract: Anna Freud, Full-time, one-year fixed-term training and employment post

Salary and benefits: £47,951 FTE per annum, plus a 6% contributory pension scheme; 27 days' annual leave plus bank holidays (FTE)

Location: Anna Freud's Specialist Clinical Services and community settings; 4-8 Rodney Street, London N1 9JH

Working pattern: Usually Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00; around 2-3 days per week for teaching/personal study and at least 2.5 days for clinical work

Anticipated employment start date: Monday 4 January 2027 (or Monday 11 January 2027 by agreement), within Anna Freud's Specialist Clinical Services.

Course start date: Monday 18 January 2027, including in-person induction at Anna Freud, King's Cross.

Pre-employment check: Enhanced DBS with Adult and Child checks

How to apply: Please visit our careers page and ensure you read the full application guidance before applying

Questions?

Please email us with any job enquiries, or if you require assistance or experience difficulties when applying. Please note that successful candidate(s) will be asked to evidence their Right to Work in the UK post-job offer - we do not hold a sponsor license therefore we are unable to provide Visa sponsorship.

Data protection

Information submitted in your application (including your name and contact details, qualifications and relevant experience) will be shared with relevant Anna Freud staff as part of the recruitment process to assess eligibility for the training. As this is a joint Anna Freud and UCL programme, your data may also be shared with UCL for the purposes of shortlisting and, if successful, enrolment onto the programme. Please refer to the relevant privacy notices.