The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) Specialist Training Programme is well-established in Wessex. It is a popular scheme, currently with 9 posts including joint training schemes with Forensic and Intellectual Disability psychiatry. The scheme has placements in Hampshire and Dorset across a number of different providers.
CAP training lasts for 3 years, dual training for 5. Year 1 is spent working in a locality community team Years 2 and 3 offer more specialist placements. There are opportunities to work in inpatient settings, and with community eating disorder teams, liaison and forensic services.
We try to keep trainees within their chosen geographical area. We realise how important it is to be able to balance work and personal life. The academic department based at the University of Southampton within the department of Psychology, is the Centre for Innovation in Mental Health (CIMH).
Every trainee is expected to complete a research project. This will be supervised by Professor Samuele Cortese, professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Trainees are well supported by their peers and educational and clinical supervisors. There is a fortnightly academic meeting for CAP trainees, as well as the 3 year rolling, monthly Professionals programme for all specialist higher trainees across the School – which aims to prepare for a consultant post. It also enables trainees to develop wider peer networks.
Trainees will be supported to develop skills in one therapeutic modality and exposed to a range of others. These include cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, cognitive analytic therapy and family therapy.
There are many opportunities to develop management and leadership skills including joining Quality Improvement projects. CAP trainees are encouraged to participate in teaching and learning across Healthcare and Education.