2224 — Psychotherapists and cognitive behaviour therapists

Higher Skilled

Sources checked 26 October 2026. Match the actual duties before choosing a code.

Related job titles

What this occupation covers

Psychotherapists and cognitive behaviour therapists use a variety of therapies in one-on-one or group settings to help people with mental health issues, stress, emotional and relationship problems.

Typical duties


assesses and provides treatment for people suffering with mental illness, stress, and emotional and relationship problems

talks with patients about their emotions, relationships and personal history

analyses events, behaviour, and habits to understand their mode of thinking and feelings

helps people come up with new ways to cope with their problems and to change their ways of thinking

Entry routes and qualifications

Job holders in this unit group will usually possess a postgraduate qualification or equivalent accredited qualification. Training usually lasts 4 years. A DBS check may be required for work with vulnerable individuals or children.

Sponsorship information

Higher Skilled. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.

DBS assessment

Commonly assessed for DBS eligibility. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.

Find this code and estimate salary

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Annaizu is independent of ONS, the Home Office and DBS.

Open salary calculatorExplore DBS checks

ONS SOC 2020 · Appendix Skilled Occupations