08 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
286 views
The Government is expanding the frontline psychology workforce by increasing the number of Psychology Intern Hubs from six to eight, supporting up to 40 interns annually to gain supervised experience in mental health and addiction services. This initiative, along with doubling clinical psychology internships and creating the new Psychology Assistant role, aims to strengthen pathways from university training into frontline mental health careers. These efforts are part of a broader plan to improve access to support, grow the workforce, and enhance crisis response across the country.
24 Jul 2026
3 months ago
752 views
Psychology Assistant students in New Zealand are training for a new role designed to expand the mental health workforce and improve access to support, with the first graduates entering the workforce next year. Funded by a $28.45 million investment in Budget 2026, these assistants will work under registered psychologists to provide low-intensity interventions and support, allowing psychologists to focus on more complex cases. This initiative complements efforts to nearly double clinical psychology internships by 2026, aiming to better meet the growing demand for mental health services across the country.
09 Jun 2026
4 months ago
952 views
The Government’s Budget 2026 allocates over $100 million across four years to enhance mental health services, focusing on faster access, increased frontline workers, and improved crisis response. Key investments include $20.18 million for maternal mental health, $28.45 million for psychology assistant roles, and $51.72 million to open 20 new inpatient beds, prioritizing regions with the highest demand. Additional initiatives support early family intervention, peer support, community-driven solutions, and expanded training pathways to strengthen the mental health workforce and better support New Zealanders in need.
20 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1700 views
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey welcomes the New Zealand Psychologists Board's approval of the Psychology Assistant role to enhance access to mental health and addiction support. The initiative aims to address workforce shortages by providing a career path for psychology graduates unable to enter clinical psychology programs. Psychology Assistants will work under supervision to expand support services, reduce vacancies, and improve mental health outcomes for New Zealanders.