The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Psychiatry (Cert P) is a specialised qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and expertise in psychiatry. This course is ideal for learners who wish to advance their career prospects, deepen their understanding of mental health conditions, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio. It provides learners with comprehensive insights into psychiatric disorders, diagnostic approaches, therapeutic interventions, and patient management strategies, equipping them with the skills required to support high-quality mental health care.
This qualification is specifically designed for experienced healthcare professionals rather than beginners. It is particularly suitable for nurses, clinical practitioners, allied health professionals, and other healthcare staff who aim to expand their psychiatric expertise and improve patient outcomes. Learners will gain practical knowledge and evidence-based skills to assess, monitor, and manage patients with mental health conditions, while developing the confidence to implement effective care plans within clinical and community settings.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Psychiatry must meet the highest standards of training. This includes employing competent and qualified staff, providing all essential learning materials and resources, and ensuring access to appropriate clinical facilities for practical training. By combining expert instruction with structured, hands-on learning opportunities, centres create a supportive and effective environment that fosters learner success and professional growth.
Whether your goal is to specialise in psychiatry, enhance your clinical skills, or strengthen your CPD profile, the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Psychiatry offers a structured and practical pathway to achieving your professional and career objectives in healthcare.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Psychiatry (Cert P)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
24
GLH
120
Qualification #
LICQ2200830
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Psychiatry (Cert P), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200830-1 |
Introduction to Psychiatry |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200830-2 |
Common Psychiatric Disorders |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200830-3 |
Diagnostic and Assessment Procedures |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200830-4 |
Treatment and Management Strategies |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200830-5 |
Monitoring and Risk Management |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200830-6 |
Professional Practice and CPD in Psychiatry |
4 |
20 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Introduction to Psychiatry
- Understand the fundamental concepts of psychiatry and mental health.
- Describe the historical development and role of psychiatry within healthcare.
- Recognise the importance of mental health in overall patient care.
- Explain key terminology and frameworks used in psychiatric practice.
Unit 2: Common Psychiatric Disorders
- Identify and classify common mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
- Describe causes, symptoms, and clinical presentation of psychiatric disorders.
- Understand risk factors and preventive strategies related to mental health conditions.
- Appreciate the impact of psychiatric disorders on patient well-being and quality of life.
Unit 3: Diagnostic and Assessment Procedures
- Demonstrate knowledge of key psychiatric assessment tools and techniques.
- Conduct basic mental state examinations and clinical assessments.
- Interpret assessment results accurately to inform patient care decisions.
- Recognise when referral to specialist psychiatric services is required.
Unit 4: Treatment and Management Strategies
- Explain pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options for psychiatric conditions.
- Develop patient-centred management and care plans.
- Monitor and evaluate patient progress and treatment effectiveness.
- Advise patients on self-care strategies, therapy adherence, and lifestyle considerations.
Unit 5: Monitoring and Risk Management
- Apply effective patient monitoring techniques in psychiatric care.
- Identify early signs of deterioration or crisis in mental health patients.
- Implement risk management and preventive strategies to ensure patient safety.
- Evaluate interventions and adapt care plans to support optimal patient outcomes.
Unit 6: Professional Practice and CPD in Psychiatry
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards in psychiatric practice.
- Demonstrate reflective practice to enhance clinical skills and patient care.
- Develop a personal plan for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Commit to ongoing professional growth and maintaining high-quality psychiatric care.
This course is designed for healthcare professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in psychiatry. Ideal learners include:
- Registered nurses, clinical practitioners, and allied health professionals aiming to specialise in mental health and psychiatric care.
- Healthcare professionals seeking to advance their career prospects and professional development in mental health services.
- Practitioners looking to improve clinical skills in assessing, monitoring, and managing psychiatric conditions.
- Professionals committed to maintaining Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and staying up-to-date with best practices in psychiatric care.
- Clinical staff working in hospitals, primary care, community health settings, or specialised mental health facilities.
- Individuals seeking practical, evidence-based strategies to enhance patient outcomes in mental health care.
This course is not suitable for beginners in healthcare and is intended for learners with prior professional experience.
Centres offering the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Psychiatry must meet specific standards to ensure high-quality training and successful learner outcomes. These include:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: All trainers and assessors must hold relevant healthcare or psychiatric qualifications and possess practical clinical experience.
- Access to Learning Resources: Centres must provide comprehensive learning materials, including textbooks, clinical guidelines, case studies, and digital resources to support both theoretical and practical learning.
- Clinical Facilities and Equipment: Adequate clinical settings and essential psychiatric equipment must be available to facilitate practical training and skills development.
- Assessment and Evaluation Tools: Centres must implement robust assessment procedures, including practical evaluations, assignments, and reflective practice exercises to effectively measure learner progress.
- Compliance with Regulatory Standards: Centres must adhere to healthcare, safety, and professional standards, ensuring a safe, ethical, and professional learning environment.
- Learner Support: Centres should provide mentoring, guidance, and feedback to help learners achieve their full potential and successfully complete the course.
- Commitment to CPD: Centres must promote ongoing professional development and support learners in applying new knowledge and skills to clinical practice.
Meeting these requirements ensures learners receive high-quality, professional training in psychiatry, enabling them to enhance their careers and deliver improved mental health care.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
