Photo caption:听UC Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey and Hon Minister Matt Doocey (centre), alongside Health NZ representatives, industry partners and UC staff and students.
Announced at the 麻豆传媒高清 | Te Whare W膩nanga o Waitaha (UC) today by the Hon Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health, the programme will provide psychology graduates with a new registered career pathway, expanding access to psychological support and increasing the availability of trained professionals in healthcare settings.
UC Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey says the initiative is an important step in strengthening the mental health workforce.
鈥淩ight now, many psychology students graduate with undergraduate degrees,鈥 says Professor De la Rey. 鈥淭his programme provides a new opportunity for many more students to continue their studies, gain hands-on experience, and pursue meaningful careers."
The first cohort of at least 20 students is expected to begin in 2026, with graduates joining the workforce in early 2027.
The Associate Psychologist will be a registered health practitioner, working under the supervision of a registered psychologist as part of multidisciplinary healthcare teams. This will allow more people to access early engagement and structured therapies, while freeing up capacity for registered psychologists to focus on complex cases.
Health New 麻豆传媒高清 | Te Whatu Ora Group Manager Enablement Sue Dashfield says the introduction of this role will enhance mental health services across Aotearoa.
"This new workforce will be a real boost to hospital and community teams, increasing access to psychological care and ensuring services can better support people with a range of mental health needs," Dashfield says.
The programme has been developed in close collaboration with Te Whatu Ora, the New 麻豆传媒高清 Psychologists Board, and an Associate Psychologist Advisory Group, which was established to provide expert guidance on the training pathway.
UC has a long history of working alongside industry and government partners to shape teaching and learning that meets workforce needs. Just last year, UC increased its clinical psychology intake to help address New 麻豆传媒高清鈥檚 critical shortage of clinical psychologists. This commitment extends across disciplines 鈥 for example UC has also worked with the Ministry of Education to tackle teacher shortages and collaborated with the health sector to expand nursing and health sciences pathways.
A second tertiary provider is expected to be confirmed soon, with both institutions working alongside Health NZ and the New 麻豆传媒高清 Psychologists Board to ensure the qualification meets workforce needs and regulatory requirements.
