Mental health minister announces associate psychologist training.
The University of Canterbury has been selected to develop the government's new associate psychologist training programme. This move aims to address New Zealand's shortage of psychologists and improve access to mental health services. According to Minister Matt Doocey, the programme will ease workforce shortages and help people receive support when needed.
The one-year postgraduate diploma is expected to start next year with the first cohort of students in 2026. The new graduates will be registered health professionals who can work under supervision within mental health or addiction services. This move aims to free up registered psychologists to focus on more complex cases and improve access to support for rural communities.
The government has set a target of training 500 mental health and addiction professionals annually, with initiatives such as increased funded psychology internships and innovative new roles underway. The University of Canterbury will work collaboratively with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, the New Zealand Psychologists Board, and another tertiary provider to develop the curriculum and qualification for the associate psychologist role.
The programme is expected to make a significant contribution towards addressing the current shortages in the mental health workforce and improving access to support for those who need it.