A new Psychological Professions Forum for NI has been formally
launched to help ensure psychological knowledge and expertise is
embedded throughout the health and social care system.
There are a range of psychological professions, including
practitioner psychologists, psychotherapists and therapists, and
psychological practitioners such as psychological wellbeing
practitioners.
The Forum's purpose is to strengthen the identity of these
various professions and give them a coordinated strategic voice,
promote psychological expertise, enable collaborative working,
and provide a platform for professionals to share knowledge,
influence policy, and co-develop innovative solutions.
Health Minister said: “Psychological
professions are a critical and highly valued element within our
mental health services and we need to ensure that their breadth
of knowledge and experience is being maximised to their full
potential.
“I therefore welcome the establishment of this
Forum. It will be led by my Department and involve participation
from across Health & Social Care, professional bodies and the
community & voluntary sector.”
Professor Nichola Rooney, interim Chief
Psychological Professions Officer at the Department of Health,
said: “There are many different psychological professions, each
bringing unique training, knowledge and skills to the mental
health workforce.
“Until now, we have been organised and commissioned separately,
with little opportunity to come together to share best practice,
research, and influence policy and service developments. Yet we
are all united by our commitment to improve access to
psychological interventions and deliver the highest quality of
psychological care to our population.
“This Forum aims to provide a unified platform for psychological
professionals across Northern Ireland. I look forward to
constructive engagement with all stakeholders as work on the
Forum moves forward.”
The Forum will:
- Promote Psychological Expertise: Advocate for the
integration of psychological approaches in prevention, treatment,
and recovery across all care settings.
- Strengthen Professional Identity: Elevate the visibility
and recognition of psychological professions within Northern
Ireland.
- Support Leadership Development: Empower psychological
professionals to take on leadership roles in service design,
policy development, and system transformation.
- Enable Collaborative Working: Facilitate
cross-disciplinary partnerships to deliver integrated,
person-centred care.
- Provide a Strategic Platform: Create a space for
psychological professionals to share knowledge, influence policy,
and co-develop innovative solutions.
Notes to editors:
- The Forum will work with a range of stakeholders, including
professional bodies and regulators, HSC Trusts and Boards,
community and voluntary organisations, service users and advocacy
groups, academic institutions and training providers, and other
relevant allied health and social care forums.
- Professor Nichola Rooney took up the role of interim Chief
Psychological Professions Officer for Northern Ireland in March
2025. Her role involves providing expert psychological leadership
and advice to the Chief Medical Officer and Department of Health
on the commissioning, organisation and governance, and delivery
of high-quality psychological services within physical and mental
health services in the community, primary and secondary care,
across Northern Ireland.
- The Chief Psychological Professions Officer role represents a
significant commitment by the Health Minister to improving the
psychological wellbeing of our population and ensuring the
delivery of high-quality psychological services across the
region.
