Medical Psychotherapy
Programme description
GMC Reference: WOS/515
The National Training Scheme in Medical Psychotherapy covers the whole of Scotland and is administered in the Scotland North. Trainees are based in one of the four Deanery areas where they will receive most of their training. If training needs cannot be met in this area trainees will be able to access training in other parts of the country once this is agreed with the Educational Supervisor and the TPD.
At the start of training, and prior to each change of placement, all trainees will meet with the Educational Supervisor to discuss the details of their post. If several posts are available in one region, placement decision will be based on the individual training requirements and, where possible, trainee preference will be taken into account.
The scheme aims to provide experience in all the areas covered by the college curriculum and to ensure that all Learning Objectives are met by the end of training. As well as clinical experience, trainees will be expected to gain competencies in teaching, research, audit and management skills. An annual audit is encouraged and expected from higher trainees. The full training requirements are outlined in the Scheme Handbook which is regularly updated in line with changing College and NES requirements.
The scheme has eight posts in Medical Psychotherapy. Five single specialty Medical Psychodynamic Psychotherapy training posts leading to CCT in Medical Psychotherapy over 3 years. Two CBT modality posts which are dual training posts leading to CCT in Medical Psychotherapy (CBT) and General Adult Psychiatry over 5 years. One Medical Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and General Adult Psychiatry dual training post based in the North region leading to CCT in Medical Psychotherapy and General Adult Psychiatry over 5 years.
ยปMedical Psychotherapy Handbook Scotland [PDF]
All trainees are expected to undertake external psychotherapy training relevant to their major training modality. Financial support is given for two thirds of the cost of these trainings. Additional training is provided in the Medical Psychotherapy teaching programme, 4 full days per year. Trainees are encouraged to attend and present at the RCPsych in Scotland Annual Medical Psychotherapy Conference as well as at other UK events.
Clinical opportunities exist for a wide range of placements and special interest sessions. These vary according to area but include access to MBT and CAT services, Eating Disorder services, and a service for PD patients who are homeless in addition to general psychotherapy services. There are wide opportunities for consultation, reflective practice and teaching.
This programme includes placements in some or all of these hospitals across Scotland Deanery:
- Alloway Centre, Dundee
- Ninewells Hospital, Dundee
- Murray Royal Hospital, Perth
- Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen
- Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh
- Cullen Centre/Rivers Centre, Edinburgh
- Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh
- The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow
- Leverndale Hospital, Glasgow
- Springburn Health Centre, Glasgow
- Dykebar Hospital, Paisley
- Lansdowne Clinic, Glasgow
- Coatbridge Health Centre, North Lanarkshire
Regional Post Descriptors:
- Regional Post Descriptor for South East Scotland Region [PDF]
- Regional Post Descriptor for North Scotland Region [PDF]
- Regional Post Descriptor for West Scotland Region [DOCX]
- Regional Post Descriptor for East Scotland Region [DOC]
Research, audit, teaching and management opportunities
The National Scottish Psychotherapy programme comprises two separate training programmes, each specialising in a particular modality of Psychotherapy.
One programme offers the main training in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and the other the main training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Any programme will involve gaining some experience in the other models of therapy, including systemic or integrative.
The programme will be of interest to those interested in specialising in psychological approaches and requires a strong commitment to further specialist training.
Where the training is delivered?
- Carseview Centre, Dundee
- Dr Grays Hospital, Elgin
- Dykebar Hospital, Paisley
- Gartnavel General, Glasgow
- Leverndale Hospital
- Murray Royal Hospital, Perth
- Ninewells Hospital, Dundee
- Royal Aberdeen Childrens Hospital
- Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen
- Royal Edinburgh Hospital
- Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
- Sunnyside Hospital, Montrose
- The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow
- Wedderburn House, Dundee
Contacts and useful links
Information |
|
| Programme type (Deanery or National): | Deanery |
| Administration office: | National |
| Lead Dean / Director: | Dr Nitin Gambhir |
| Responsible Associate Postgraduate Dean or Assistant Director (GP): | Dr Daniel Bennett |
| Specialty or Sub-specialty: | Specialty |
| Date of GMC recent approval: | Aug 2010 |
| Associated Royal College - Faculty: |
Royal College of Psychiatrists |
| Curriculum and associated assessment system: | https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/standards-guidance-and-curricula/curricula/medical-psychotherapy-curriculum |
| Programme administrator: |
Name:
Lynda Service
Address: NHS Education for Scotland, Forest Grove House, Foresterhill Road, Aberdeen. AB25 2ZP Tel: 01224 805132 Email: lynda.service@nhs.scot |
| Programme director(s): |
Name:
Dr Emma Lewington Tel: 0141 211 6680 Email: Emma.Lewington2@nhs.scot |
| Quality of training: | Quality Management |
This page was last updated on: 11.03.2025 at 13.42