Psychology Assistant students are training in New Zealand classrooms for the first time, marking a major milestone in growing the mental health workforce. The first graduates are set to enter the workforce next year, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

"Today is a landmark moment. These students are the first to train for a brand-new role that will help more New Zealanders get faster access to mental health support, while creating a new career pathway for psychology graduates," Mr Doocey says.

"We know that every year many psychology graduates miss out on the limited number of postgraduate training places. Without other pathways available, too many of these graduates are lost from the mental health workforce. This new role gives them a way to stay in mental health, use their skills, and support more New Zealanders who need help.

"It's fantastic to be at the University of Canterbury today to meet the first cohort of students as they begin their training to become New Zealand's first registered Psychology Assistants. Students are now also undertaking the programme at Auckland University of Technology.

"Working under the supervision of registered psychologists, Psychology Assistants will provide practical support to people with mental health and addiction needs by delivering low-intensity interventions, supporting assessments, monitoring progress and providing psychoeducation. This will allow psychologists to spend more time with people who have the most complex needs.

"Budget 2026 invested $28.45 million to establish the Psychology Assistant workforce, supporting employment, supervision and training as this new role is introduced across Health New Zealand and community mental health services.

"That investment will support up to 50 new Psychology Assistants entering the workforce each year, growing the frontline and helping more New Zealanders access support faster.

"This is just one part of our plan to grow the psychology workforce. We are also on track to almost double the number of clinical psychology internships, increasing from 40 in 2023 to 74 in 2026.

"I've been clear that doing nothing is not an option while New Zealanders are waiting too long for support. Psychology Assistants are not replacing psychologists; they are working alongside them to help more people access support.

"The role and its scope of practice have been approved by the New Zealand Psychologists Board, and I believe this role will make a real difference for many.”