Education Mental Health Practitioner
Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs) are trained to assess and support children and young people with common mental health difficulties. EMHPs are trained to assess and support children and young people with mild-to-moderate mental health difficulties . EMHPs deliver structured, low-intensity psychological interventions (often based on CBT) tailored to pupils’ needs. EMHPs usually work in schools or colleges, providing one-to-one or group support to students and their families, aiming to improve wellbeing and resilience .
What the Role Involves
EMHPs form a bridge between schools and mental health services. Day-to-day tasks include:
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Assessment: Screen and assess students referred for mild-moderate emotional or behavioural issues . This may involve brief interviews with pupils (and sometimes parents) to clarify difficulties.
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Intervention Delivery: Provide evidence-based interventions (e.g. cognitive-behavioural strategies, anxiety management, social skills groups) in schools. Sessions may be one-to-one or in small groups, and often involve parents/carers to support a student’s progress .
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Collaborative Work: Collaborate with teachers, school counsellors and special educational needs coordinators to integrate support. EMHPs offer advice on classroom strategies, facilitate whole-school mental health workshops, and signpost to additional services when needed .
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Teamwork: Work as part of a school-based MHST alongside senior therapists (e.g. clinical psychologists, CBT therapists) and other professionals. Regular supervision ensures EMHPs deliver safe, effective care.
Career Progression Opportunities
EMHP is a growing field and new development opportunities are emerging . As experience is gaine d , EMHPs can move into senior EMHP positions where they may supervise other practitioners or manage aspects of the support team . Future career paths may include specialising or transitioning into other mental health roles with further training .
Why Work at GMMH
Working as an EMHP at GMMH means making a real difference in young people’s lives . You’ll benefit from strong support and training within GMMH’s integrated teams. GMMH values innovation in child mental health – our staff are encouraged to generate new ideas or embark on a research journey with the outcoming of improv ing care . We offer on-the-job learning and professional development in a collaborative, friendly environment. With GMMH, you’ll work in diverse settings (from primary schools to colleges) and have the backing of a Trust that champions staff wellbeing and research .
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