Is there a role for Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners and Primary Care Mental Health Workers in the delivery of low intensity cognitive behavioural therapy for individuals who self‐harm?

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to explore how the role of low intensity cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) could be incorporated as a treatment option for individuals who engage in non‐suicidal self‐injury. Primary Care Mental Health Workers (PCMHWs) and Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs) are employed to assist patients experiencing common mental health problems through CBT‐based self‐help materials; this is commonly referred to as low intensity CBT.Design/methodology/approach – This article reviews the literature in order to investigate how these workers could incorporate their skills to offer support to those who self‐harm as means of coping with psychological distress.Findings – The findings from this review identify a call for research into the efficacy of low intensity CBT, to enable the dissemination of clear guidance into the treatment of non‐suicidal self‐injury, considering the role of PWPs and PCMHWs.Originality/value – At present, there is a lack of guidance into the treatment op...