At MedicsPro, our experienced team of professional recruiters ensures that we match qualified psychological therapist with locum and permanent roles worldwide.

We Offer:

• A dedicated compliance officer
• A market-leading referral scheme
• Access to exclusive ultrasound vacancies
• Expert consultative service
• Opportunities across the UK, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
• Preferred supply status with numerous NHS and private healthcare providers
• Weekly payroll

What is a Mental Health Practitioner?

Mental health practitioners play a vital role in supporting the NHS Long Term Plan's goal to create new, integrated models of primary and community mental health care. Their work is crucial in helping adults and older adults with severe mental illnesses manage their conditions and live well within their communities. This includes individuals severely affected by mental illnesses such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, eating disorders, and severe depression, as well as those with mental health rehabilitation needs. Many of these individuals may also have co-existing conditions like frailty, cognitive impairment, neurodevelopmental disorders, or substance use issues.

Introduced in April 2021 as part of the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) within the Network Contract DES, mental health practitioners are now embedded in GP surgeries and community settings. They bridge the gap between primary care and specialist mental health services, supporting people with complex mental health needs. This role works alongside NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression, as well as other primary care roles that offer mental health support. By providing GPs and other primary care staff with timely advice and assistance, mental health practitioners help alleviate workloads and foster closer relationships with mental health services.

The mental health practitioner role can be tailored to local needs, and it is advised that communities consult with people with lived experience to determine the most effective forms of support. These roles are filled by a range of professionals with mental health expertise, from Band 4 to 8a, including but not limited to:

• Peer support workers
• Community psychiatric nurses
• Clinical psychologists
• Mental health social workers
• Mental health occupational therapists
• Mental health community connectors

The funding for these roles is shared equally between the ARRS funding in primary care and the funding held by integrated care systems (ICSs) for community mental health transformation. Mental health practitioners are employed by mental health providers or subcontracted to voluntary, community, or social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, and they are embedded in local GP surgeries or neighbourhood settings. Each Primary Care Network (PCN) is guaranteed at least one mental health practitioner for populations up to 100,000 and two for populations over 100,000. Additional practitioners can be employed if needed, depending on the local population and availability of mental health services.

As of winter 2022-23, 717 PCNs (62% of all PCNs) have a mental health practitioner in place.

Mental health practitioners may also be recruited to support children and young people in primary care, focusing on those with identified or suspected mental health issues. These roles align with the NHS Long Term Plan's objective of providing mental health services to an additional 345,000 children and young people (aged 0-25). The rollout of these roles has been supported by £5 million in funding during 2022/23 to accelerate their introduction.

Mental health practitioners are essential in helping people develop coping strategies, manage mental health symptoms, and improve their resilience. Their work is a cornerstone of both primary care and broader community mental health services.

This is the perfect time to work, with a strong demand for skilled professionals. By choosing MedicsPro, you'll have access to a wide range of opportunities and competitive pay rates.

Key Benefits:

• Access to a Wide Range of Opportunities: MedicsPro offers a broad selection of locum and permanent positions across various medical specialties.
• Competitive Pay Rates: The agency provides highly competitive pay rates to ensure you’re well-compensated for your skills and experience.
• Flexible Work Options: With locum and permanent roles available, you can choose work that suits your schedule and lifestyle, offering greater work-life balance.
• Dedicated Support: MedicsPro offers personalised support from a team of experienced recruitment consultants who are there to guide you through the job search process.
• Exclusive Roles: Many of the positions available through MedicsPro are exclusive, giving you access to roles that may not be advertised elsewhere.
• Ongoing Training and Development: The agency provides opportunities for continuing professional development, helping you stay current with industry standards and enhance your career prospects.
• Fast and Efficient Recruitment Process: MedicsPro ensures a smooth and streamlined recruitment process, minimising the time it takes for you to secure your next role.
• Nationwide and International Opportunities: Whether you're looking for work in the NHS, private sector, or overseas, MedicsPro offers positions across the UK and beyond.