CBT accreditation for clinical psychologists: A limitation or an opportunity to apply and maintain our organisational and systemic influence and leadership?

Abstract

This paper explains the context for secondary accreditations for clinical psychologists, with a focus on the recognised multi-professional marker for competence in CBT, BABCP accreditation. It describes what CBT accreditation is and how clinical psychologists can achieve it at any stage of their career. The meaning of secondary accreditation within our profession is explored and the debate is outlined in the hope that readers will gain greater clarity about the value and benefits of dual accreditation in CBT for clinical psychologists. The views of clinical psychologists at all stages of their career from trainees to service leads are presented. Recent learning and developments from dual accredited clinical psychology doctorates in England are shared including the voices of a recent graduate of a Level 2 accredited doctorate, to provide insights and guidance for other doctorate programmes currently developing Level 2 BABCP accreditation, their supervisors and their trainees.