Addressing New Zealand's Psychologist Shortage: A Call for Reform in Training
November 28, 2024 - 08:34
If the government is serious about addressing New Zealand’s shortage of psychologists, it needs to introduce practical job training earlier in the qualification process. The current model, which emphasizes theoretical knowledge over hands-on experience, is proving inadequate in meeting the demands of mental health services.
With rising mental health issues across the nation, the gap between the need for psychologists and the number of trained professionals continues to widen. Many aspiring psychologists find themselves graduating without the necessary practical skills to effectively support clients in real-world scenarios.
By restructuring the training framework to include earlier and more extensive practical training, the government can better prepare future psychologists for the challenges they will face in the field. This shift could not only increase the number of qualified professionals but also enhance the quality of care provided to those in need.
Immediate action is essential to ensure that New Zealand's mental health services are equipped to support its population effectively.
MORE NEWS
June 7, 2026 - 19:22
Psychology says the “cool” parent who lets their child negotiate every boundary is risking one specific outcome — and it usually shows up the moment that child enters a professional environmentPsychology suggests that parents who pride themselves on being the `cool` one, letting their child negotiate every single boundary, are setting that child up for a specific kind of failure. It...
June 6, 2026 - 01:53
From Psychology to Drag: Emeryville Filmmaker Robby Kendall Finds His Creative BalanceGrowing up gay in a conservative state with an overly Catholic mother who convinced him to ignore his theatrical interests, it was only inevitable that Robby Kendall would imbue his work with...
June 5, 2026 - 02:34
Why Psychological Safety Matters More in AI-Enabled TeamsAs artificial intelligence tools become standard in workplaces, a less obvious factor is determining which teams succeed and which ones fail. That factor is psychological safety -- the shared...
June 4, 2026 - 09:50
Maryland enters interstate school psychologist compact to address workforce shortageMaryland has become the ninth state to sign onto the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists, a move aimed at easing a persistent workforce shortage in schools across the region. The compact...