Overview
This is an exciting opportunity for a Psychological Therapist or Counsellor to join NHS Somerset Talking Therapies Service for Depression and Anxiety, working within either our South Somerset Team (Yeovil/Chard) or our Taunton Team.
NHS Somerset Talking Therapies is a high-performing service with one of the best recovery rates in the country. We have excellent links with the voluntary sector and secondary care through the Open Mental Health Somerset initiative. As part of our multi-professional workforce in primary care, you will support adults experiencing depression, anxiety and long-term health conditions, offering therapy both face-to-face and via video link. Flexible working opportunities are available.
Applicants who do not yet hold a Talking Therapies-compliant qualification in Interpersonal Therapy IPT or Person Centre Experiential Counselling for Depression PCE-CfD will be considered for a Band 6 recruit-to-train position, with full training provided.
Responsibilities
* Provide evidence-based psychological therapy in line with NHS Talking Therapies standards, including Interpersonal Therapy IPT or Person Centre Experiential Counselling for Depression PCE-CfD.
* Deliver individual and group-based interventions both in person and remotely.
* Undertake triage and assessments, contributing to stepped care pathways.
* Manage a caseload of up to 18 clinical contacts per week, ensuring timely treatment delivery.
* Work collaboratively with colleagues across primary care, community mental health and voluntary sector services.
* Maintain accurate and timely clinical records using the IAPTus system.
* Contribute to clinical governance, service audits, user feedback and evaluations.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
* Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
* NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
* Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
* A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset?
Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Details
* Date posted: 01 September 2025
* Pay scheme: Agenda for change
* Band: Band 7
* Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
* Reference number: 184-OL-GR-2940
* Job locations: Bracken House, Crewkerne Road, Chard, Somerset, TA20 1YA; Parkgate House, East Reach, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3ES
Qualifications
* Accreditation with the BACP, UKCP, BPS, NCS, HCPC or equivalent.
* Practitioner qualification/accreditation in an NHS Talking Therapies compliant therapy modality: Interpersonal Therapy IPT, Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy DIT or Person-centred Experiential Counselling for Depression PCE-CfD.
* Good record of Continuing Professional Development in an NHS Talking Therapies compliant counselling modality and willingness to continue this.
Desirable
* Further training or willingness and suitability to train in another NHS Talking Therapies compliant modality: IPT, DIT or CfD
* Qualification and experience as a supervisor in an NHS Talking Therapies compliant modality
Experience
* Experience of working to agreed performance targets demonstrating clinical outcomes.
Desirable
* Experience of providing psychological therapy within an NHS Talking Therapies service (formally known as IAPT).
* Experience of line managing clinical or non-clinical staff.
Additional Criteria
* Car driver or access to transport to travel to locations throughout the organisation with appropriate business insurance
Compliance
* Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
* UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Bracken House
Crewkerne Road
Chard
Somerset
TA20 1YA
Parkgate House
East Reach
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 3ES
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