Professional Certificate in Clinical Practice and CBT Foundations for Youth
In accordance with The National Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy's directives aimed at restructuring the mental health service landscape into a tiered care model (see full report), the NUS Psychology department presents this professional certificate course that serves professionals operating within the third tier of this model. Such personnel would come from mental health policlinics, community mental health teams, youth integrated teams, and similar entities.
This onboarding initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of local mental health services, targeting individuals without a specialised background in mental health. The curriculum is structured to equip participants with essential foundational interpersonal skills in counselling, motivational interviewing, and screening techniques for identifying mental health disorders, thereby facilitating appropriate referrals.
Upon completion of the programme, participants will also acquire the skills to administer basic psychosocial interventions, providing crucial support to individuals grappling with mental health challenges. Additionally, participants will engage in a period of supervised practice within their respective workplaces to further refine their skills. It is important to note, however, that while this course is informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), achieving proficiency in CBT entails extensive additional training and supervised practice beyond the scope of this onboarding course.
The Professional Certificate in Clinical Practice and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Foundations for Youth will equip learners with the following competencies:
- Comprehend and apply the key principles and concepts underlying core psychological theories.
- Demonstrate the ability to establish therapeutic relationships, employ counselling skills, and utilize motivational interviewing techniques to effectively support clients in their journey towards positive behaviour change and improved mental well-being
- Apply cognitive formulations for mood and anxiety in youth
- Master foundational psychoeducational, cognitive, and behavioural interventions for mood and anxiety in youth
- Adapt CBT interventions for the youth population
- Evaluate the progress of CBT interventions
- Engage in supervised practice of CBT interventions with youth
For enquiries, please email Nur Zahirah at zahirah@nus.edu.sg.
Mode of Delivery
The mode of delivery is face-to-face workshops with didactic teaching, reflective practice group discussions, role-plays, and group supervision.
Assessment
Learners will be assessed in the following ways:
- Short Course 1: Online Test, Role Play and Written Exam
- Short Course 2: Online Test and Oral Questioning (group supervision)
The entry requirements for the component workshops and the professional certificates are as follows:
- Background in Psychology, Social Work, Counselling, or related field
- A letter/email from employer verifying that applicant is working with clients with mild to moderate mental health difficulties and supervised by a qualified individual (Workshop II only)
- Fluent in English (instruction language)
The target learner profile is junior and senior community healthcare, social service and education worker with little formal training in Clinical Practice and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
It remains the sole responsibility of the participant to ensure that any practise involving the utilising of knowledge and skills acquired from the NUS workshops are within their areas of competence. It is strongly encouraged that participants pursue regular clinical supervision to further solidify the knowledge and skills acquired from these workshops.
| Professional Certificate | Course Reference Number | Workshops | Application Links |
| Professional Certificate in Clinical Practice and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Foundations for Youth | TGS-2023040529 | Workshop I: Foundations in Clinical Practice | |
| TGS-2023039678 | Workshop II: Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Mood and Anxiety in Youth |
Note:
- Course application closes 2 weeks prior to course commencement.
- Every professional certificate comprises two unique workshops. Learners will be awarded a professional certificate when they complete both workshops, and apply to the NUS Department of Psychology for the professional certificate.
- The maximum candidature period that learners must complete both workshops to be awarded the professional certificate is 36 months.
- Learners can choose not to stack both workshops into a professional certificate, but register for single workshops. However, Workshop I: Foundations in Clinical Practice, is a prerequisite for Workshop II: Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Mood and Anxiety in Youth.
- There is no limit to the number of workshops that learners can attend.
Workshop I : Foundations in Clinical Practice
| Singapore Citizens | Singapore PRs | Enhanced Training Support for SMEs | International Participants | |
| 39 years old or younger | 40 years or older eligible for MCES | |||
| $1,111.80 | $431.80 | $1,111.80 | $431.80 | $3,706.00 |
Workshop II : Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Mood and Anxiety in Youth
| Singapore Citizens | Singapore PRs | Enhanced Training Support for SMEs | International Participants | |
| 39 years old or younger | 40 years or older eligible for MCES | |||
| $984.27 | $382.27 | $984.27 | $382.27 | $3,280.90 |
- Total Nett Programme Fee Payable, Including GST, after additional funding from the various funding schemes is applied for each of the above workshops.
- Participants must pass all assessment components in order to be eligible for SSG funding. Failing which, full course fees (incl. GST) will be payable.
- GST shall apply at prevailing rates.
Course Structure and Details
Course Synopsis
The demand for evidence-based interventions to address mental health difficulties in youth has outpaced available community services. This workshop is designed for community workers assigned to mild and moderate mental health cases to deepen their expertise in Clinical Practice while working with youth populations. Participants will explore basic psychological theories, practice counselling skills and motivational interviewing, and discuss ethical practices in mental health. The training will emphasize hands-on learning through active participation in role-play exercises, discussion groups, etc. to refine their knowledge and skills in clinical practice and apply it to their respective contexts. This course is a foundational course for the short course titled Foundations of CBT for Mood and Anxiety in Youth.
Learning Outcomes
This workshop will equip learners with the following competencies:
- Comprehend and apply the key principles and concepts underlying core psychological theories.
- Demonstrate the ability to establish therapeutic relationships, employ counselling skills, and utilize motivational interviewing techniques to effectively support clients in their journey towards positive behavior change and improved mental well-being.
- Enable learners to identify and navigate ethical dilemmas, apply professional codes of conduct and guidelines, and make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being and autonomy of clients, while upholding ethical standards and promoting responsible and ethical practice in the field of psychology.
The workshop consists of four training days covering a range of topics:
- Day 1: Basic Psychological Theories
- Day 2: Ethical Practices in Mental Health
- Day 3: Basic Counselling Skills
- Day 4: Motivational Interviewing
The learning outcomes for each day of training are as follows:
| Day | Module Topic | Learning Outcome |
| 1 | Basic Psychological Theories | Comprehend and apply the key principles and concepts underlying core psychological theories
|
| 2 | Ethical Practices in Mental Health |
|
| 3 | Basic Counselling Skills (theory and practice) |
|
| 4 | Motivational Interviewing (MI) (theory and practice) |
|
Dates and Time
- Day 1: TBC in 2025
- Day 2: TBC in 2025
- Day 3: TBC in 2025
- Day 4: TBC in 2025
Classes will be conducted from 9 am to 5 pm.
Training Venue
Classes will be conducted face-to-face in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, NUS.
About The Trainers
Dr Kean J. Hsu
Assistant Professor, National University of Singapore
Education
Ph.D. (Southern California)
M.A. (Southern California)
B.A. (Hons) (Yale)
Kean J. Hsu, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at National University of Singapore. His research investigates how basic cognitive processes (e.g., attention, executive functioning) impact the etiology and exacerbate symptom severity of depression and anxiety. He is also interested in scalable mental health interventions (e.g., cognitive training, brief interventions) and examining mechanisms underlying psychotherapeutic interventions, as well as increasing awareness of issues surrounding mental health and stigma in communities that are typically under-served or under-utilize mental health services. Clinically, Kean specialises in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and stress in adults.
Kean completed a B.A. with honours in psychology (with a behavioural neuroscience specialization) at Yale University before receiving his Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of Southern California in 2014. He completed postdoctoral research fellowships at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Texas at Austin. He previously co-directed the Anxiety and Stress Clinic with Jasper Smits, Ph.D., at UT- Austin. Most recently, Kean was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Georgetown University.
Recent/Representative Publications:
- Hsu,K.J.,Shumake,J.,Caffey,K.,Risom,S.,Labrada,J.,Smits,J.A.J.,...Beevers, C. G. (2020, September 30). Efficacy of Attention Bias Modification Training for Depressed Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/btmfy
- Hsu, K.J., McNamara, M., Shumake, J., Stewart, R., Labrada, J., Alario, A., Gonzalez, G.D.S., Schnyer, D.M., & Beevers, C.G. (2020). Neurocognitive predictors of self-reported reward responsivity and approach motivation in depression: a data-driven approach. Depression and Anxiety, 37(7), 682-697. Doi: 10.1002/da.23042
- Hsu,K.J.,&Davison,G.C.(2017).Compoundeddeficits:theassociationbetween neuropsychological impairment and attention biases in currently depressed, formerly depressed, and never depressed individuals. Clinical Psychological Science, 5(2), 286-298.
Dr Lohsnah Jeevanandam
Senior Lecturer and Director of Clinical Psychology Programme, National University of Singapore
Education
D.Clin.Psych (University of Queensland)
BA (Hons) (University of Sydney)
Research Interests
- Developmental disabilities
- Dual diagnosis
- Behavioral modification
- Parenting programmes
Recent/Representative Publications
- Jeevanandam, L. & Toh, A. (2021). The Singapore Psychological Society Code of Ethics: The Beginning, the Current, and the Future. In K.L. Parsonson. (Ed.). Handbook of International Psychology Ethics. Routledge.
- Jeevanandam, L. (2021). Sexuality Development in Persons with Intellectual Disability: A Singapore Perspective. In M.E Wong & L.Lim (Eds.). Special Needs in Singapore (pp 309-322). Singapore: Work Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.
- Goh, P.S., Goh, Y.W., Jeevanandam, L., Nyolczas, Z., Kun, A., Watanabe, Y., Noro, I., Wang, R. and Jiang, J. (2021), Be happy to be successful: a mediational model of PERMA variables. Asia Pac J Hum Resour. https://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7941.12283
Dr Stephanie Si Min Lee
Lecturer and Graduate Clinical Research Coordinator
Education
Ph.D. (NUS)
M.Clin Psych. (NUS)
B.Soc.Sci. (Hons.) (NUS)
Dr. Stephanie is primarily interested in examining the development and treatment of psychopathology, with a specific focus on exploring the impact of parent-child relationship and peer associations on the development of emotion dysregulation.
Recent/Representative Publications:
- Lee,S.S.M.,Keng,S.-L.,Yeo,G.C.,&Hong,R.Y.(2021).Parentalinvalidationand its associations with borderline personality disorder symptoms: A multivariate meta-analysis. Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/per0000523
- Lee, S. S. M., Keng, S.-L., & Hong, R. Y. (2021). Examining the intergenerational transmission of parental invalidation: Extension of the biosocial model. Development and Psychopathology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579421000778
- Hong, R. Y., Lee, S. S. M., Chng, R. Y., Zhou, Y., Tsai, F., & Tan, S. H. (2017). Developmental trajectories of maladaptive perfectionism in middle childhood. Journal of Personality, 85(3), 409-422. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12249
Dr Matthew Lim
Senior Lecturer, Deputy Director and Curriculum Coordinator, Clinical Psychology Programme, National University of Singapore
Education
D.Clin.Psy (University College London)
D.Phil (University of Oxford)
Matthew completed his first degree in psychology at NUS. He later read a doctorate at the Department of Psychiatry, Oxford University, with a research focus on gambling-related cognitive vulnerabilities. His subsequent professional clinical doctorate was completed at University College London. Matthew wrote a doctoral thesis on recovery-based outcome measurement among Vietnamese refugees living in the UK as part of his clinical training. Upon graduation, Matthew returned to his alma mater, NUS, and received an early career award with his previous senior tutorship appointment at the Department of Psychology.
Matthew teaches and supervises on the masters in clinical psychology programme in NUS and received a faculty teaching award in 2021 for his teaching excellence. He currently locums at the Institute of Mental Health and offers inpatient and outpatient clinical services. The majority of the cases he sees are high-risk adults with psychosis and/or severe emotion regulation difficulties. Matthew’s clinical and consultancy work has been informed by behavioural, cognitive, systemic and psychoanalytic ideas and contemporary "third-wave" meditative practices.
Matthew's research programme aims to develop local clinical psychology competency frameworks in specialist areas not covered by the SkillsFuture national guidelines. The masters and doctoral students he supervises have embarked on projects to articulate the competencies required in the following practice domains: mental health in disabilities, clinical health psychology, reflective practice, and clinical supervision. Findings from this research programme inform the curriculum design and assessment rubrics of professional courses in NUS.
Course Synopsis
The demand for evidence-based interventions to address mood and anxiety disorders in youth has outpaced available community services. This workshop is designed for social workers and counsellors to deepen their expertise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for youth populations.
Participants will explore the theoretical foundations of CBT and delve into case formulations and interventions for youths with low mood, and generalised and social anxiety symptoms. Special attention will be given to adapting therapy practice for youth. The training will culminate in supervised practice group sessions, allowing participants to refine their CBT skills in their respective service contexts.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, participants are expected to achieve the following objectives:
- Examine the theoretical underpinnings of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Apply cognitive formulations for mood and anxiety in youth
- Master foundational psychoeducational, cognitive, and behavioural interventions for mood and anxiety in youth
- Adapt CBT interventions for the youth population
- Evaluate the progress of CBT interventions
- Engage in supervised practice of CBT interventions with youth
The workshop consists of 3 training days followed by group supervision sessions covering the following topics:
- Day 1: CBT Case Formulations & Basic CBT Competencies
- Day 2: CBT for Youth Depression & Cognitive/Behavioural Interventions
- Day 3: CBT for Youth Anxiety & Cognitive/Behavioural Interventions
- Post-workshop group supervision sessions (4 x 1.5 hrs)
Dates and Time
- Day 1: TBC in 2025
- Day 2: TBC in 2025
- Day 3: TBC in 2025
Classes will be conducted from 9 am to 5 pm.
Venue
Classes will be conducted face-to-face in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, NUS.
About The Trainers
Dr Kean J. Hsu
Assistant Professor, National University of Singapore
Education
Ph.D. (Southern California)
M.A. (Southern California)
B.A. (Hons) (Yale)
Kean J. Hsu, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at National University of Singapore. His research investigates how basic cognitive processes (e.g., attention, executive functioning) impact the etiology and exacerbate symptom severity of depression and anxiety. He is also interested in scalable mental health interventions (e.g., cognitive training, brief interventions) and examining mechanisms underlying psychotherapeutic interventions, as well as increasing awareness of issues surrounding mental health and stigma in communities that are typically under-served or under-utilize mental health services. Clinically, Kean specialises in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and stress in adults.
Kean completed a B.A. with honours in psychology (with a behavioural neuroscience specialization) at Yale University before receiving his Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of Southern California in 2014. He completed postdoctoral research fellowships at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Texas at Austin. He previously co-directed the Anxiety and Stress Clinic with Jasper Smits, Ph.D., at UT- Austin. Most recently, Kean was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Georgetown University.
Recent/Representative Publications:
- Hsu,K.J.,Shumake,J.,Caffey,K.,Risom,S.,Labrada,J.,Smits,J.A.J.,...Beevers, C. G. (2020, September 30). Efficacy of Attention Bias Modification Training for Depressed Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/btmfy
- Hsu, K.J., McNamara, M., Shumake, J., Stewart, R., Labrada, J., Alario, A., Gonzalez, G.D.S., Schnyer, D.M., & Beevers, C.G. (2020). Neurocognitive predictors of self-reported reward responsivity and approach motivation in depression: a data-driven approach. Depression and Anxiety, 37(7), 682-697. Doi: 10.1002/da.23042
- Hsu,K.J.,&Davison,G.C.(2017).Compoundeddeficits:theassociationbetween neuropsychological impairment and attention biases in currently depressed, formerly depressed, and never depressed individuals. Clinical Psychological Science, 5(2), 286-298.
Ms. Carine Liew
Instructor, National University of Singapore
Education
M.Clin Psych. (Uni Melb-NUS)
BSc Psych. (Hons.) (Monash)
Carine is a registered psychologist, an approved Clinical Supervisor with the Singapore Register of Psychologists and a member of the Singapore Psychological Society.
Carine previously worked at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital’s (KKH) Department of Child Development where she worked with families and children, 6 years and under, with various developmental, behavioural and socio-emotional difficulties. She subsequently went on to work at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), where she was a Senior Clinical Psychologist, and in the private sector, working with children, teenagers and adults from diverse backgrounds with a broad range of psychiatric difficulties. Additionally, Carine contributed to Singapore's inaugural paediatric OCD clinic during her tenure at IMH. Carine is teaching and provides clinical supervision to psychology students at the National University of Singapore.