Next steps for the psychological workforce in Wales

Abstract

This invited article presents a brief account of recent key Welsh government mental health strategy in relation to the development of the psychological workforce. We will allude to historical major challenges that have existed that include the relatively low numbers of psychological practitioners being trained and limited access to therapies such as CBT. Much of the article will discuss positive recent developments that have assisted the implementation of mental health workforce plans. These include planned expansion in clinical psychology numbers, the development of a new country wide Adult Lifespan Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (CAAPs) MSc, and expansion in the pathways available for health board staff to gain specific therapy competencies (particularly in relation to cognitive behavioural therapy). There will be some discussion of the continuing challenges, and the article will conclude with a call for further collaboration between stakeholders to ensure that our common goal of improving psychological services for people living in Wales is realised.