A Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) is a trained mental health worker who delivers low-intensity, evidence-based psychological interventions for mild to moderate anxiety and depression. PWPs work within NHS Talking Therapies services (formerly IAPT) and typically deliver guided self-help based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles.
For cardiac arrest survivors with mild or moderate anxiety, low mood, or health anxiety, a PWP can provide a helpful first level of support. Interventions include structured self-help workbooks, computerised CBT programmes, psychoeducation about the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviour, and behavioural activation techniques. Sessions are often shorter and more frequent than full CBT, and may be delivered by telephone, video, or online.
PWPs are distinct from Clinical Psychologists, who have doctoral-level training and work with more complex presentations including trauma, neuropsychological difficulties, and severe mental health conditions. If your needs are more complex, such as significant PTSD, cognitive difficulties following hypoxic brain injury, or severe depression, your GP can refer you to a higher-intensity service. Access NHS Talking Therapies by self-referring online at nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies.
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