Growth in clinical psychology students welcomed by government.
The University of Canterbury has increased its intake of clinical psychology students, addressing a long-standing issue where only 80-90 graduates nationally were accepted into postgraduate programmes each year. This move has been commended by Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey and Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills Penny Simmonds.
According to the Government, every year several hundred students complete an undergraduate degree in Psychology but are limited by the capacity of postgraduate programmes. The University of Canterbury's decision to make ten additional spaces available is seen as a positive step towards addressing this issue.
The Government has set a target to train 500 mental health and addiction professionals annually. To achieve this, initiatives such as increased funding for psychology internships and psychiatry trainees, better utilisation of the Peer Support workforce, and creation of innovative new roles are underway.
A postgraduate diploma programme is also being developed to provide an alternative training pathway for students graduating with a qualification in Psychology. This initiative aims to support the Government's target and improve access to mental health services by providing new pathways for those interested in working in this area.