New Zealand is introducing a new training programme designed to improve mental health access, strengthen the workforce, and offer psychology graduates an opportunity to work under the supervision of registered psychologists.
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, together with the University of Canterbury, will launch a Postgraduate Diploma in Associate Psychology.
Government Backs Mental Health Workforce Expansion
The University of Canterbury hosted the official launch of New Zealand’s new mental health initiative, introduced by Hon Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health.
The initiative, designed to address workforce shortages, will train Associate Psychologists to support existing mental health services. Selected through an open procurement process in late 2024, the programme is expected to play a crucial role in meeting the demand for psychological care.
Sue Dashfield, Group Manager Enablement for Health NZ, emphasised the role of multi-disciplinary teams in mental health services, stating, “Both secondary and primary mental health services across the country operate multi-disciplinary teams, delivering integrated care that considers the needs of the whole person.”
She explained that Associate Psychologists would help reduce the pressure on registered psychologists by handling lower-intensity cases, ultimately allowing more intensive care for individuals with complex needs.
“This new role will be a real boost to increase access and enhance the breadth of psychological care within a service or team, as well as freeing up capacity for other members of the team to work more intensively with people accessing services.”
A New Career Pathway for Psychology Graduates
New Zealand’s psychology graduates often struggle to find clear career pathways after completing their undergraduate degrees. The new Postgraduate Diploma in Associate Psychology aims to address this issue by providing graduates with practical experience and a defined role within the mental health system.
Professor Cheryl de la Rey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury, discussed the programme’s importance, stating,
“Right now, many psychology students graduate with undergraduate degrees every year. This programme provides a new opportunity for many more students to continue their studies, gain hands-on experience, and pursue meaningful careers.”
The first cohort will start training in 2026, with graduates entering the workforce in early 2027. Another tertiary provider will be announced soon to offer expanded access to the qualification.
Enhancing Mental Health Services with Associate Psychologists
The newly introduced role of Associate Psychologists is designed to work within existing multi-disciplinary teams that include psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, nurses, and other health professionals. According to Sue Dashfield, Group Manager Enablement for Health NZ,
“Associate psychologists will contribute to multi-disciplinary teams, with members working together to provide everything from early engagement and structured therapies to assessing, formulating and treating complex, high-intensity issues.”
Dashfield further explained that Associate Psychologists would focus on lower-intensity care, allowing mental health services to better meet the diverse needs of tangata whai ora and their whānau.
A Step Forward for Mental Health Accessibility
The new initiative also focuses on supporting mental health professionals who are already active in the sector but lack formal registration. Dr Kirsty Dempster-Rivett, Director Allied Health, Mental Health and Addictions at Waikato, noted that many support workers and assistants hold psychology degrees.
The programme will allow them to enhance their skills while staying employed in the sector. “The Associate Psychology pathway will allow the opportunity for people already employed with us who love working with our tangata whai ora and whānau to increase their skill set and help us work as a system to provide earlier access to support.”
Conclusion
Health New Zealand and the New Zealand Psychologists Board will collaborate with tertiary providers to ensure the new Postgraduate Diploma in Associate Psychology addresses workforce needs while meeting regulatory requirements.
The introduction of Associate Psychologists is a key investment in New Zealand’s mental health sector, aiming to enhance access to psychological services and alleviate the pressure on overburdened professionals.