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
August 10, 2026 - 12:47
Psychology says downplaying your birthday is a sign of quiet confidence because it means your sense of worth doesn't need an annual vote of confidence from everyone you knowPsychologists are taking a fresh look at the people who let their birthday pass without a post, a party, or a reminder to friends. The emerging view is that downplaying the day is not shyness or...
August 9, 2026 - 19:51
Psychology says people who quietly leave family group chats, mute old friends, and stop replying to acquaintances aren't withdrawing from life, they're finally protecting the small amount of attention they have left for the people who actually reach backPsychologists are noticing a shift in how some people manage their social circles, and it often looks like a quiet exit. It is the person who leaves the family group chat without a word, mutes the...
August 9, 2026 - 01:27
Maybe You're Not Breaking Down. Maybe You're MoltingThere is a moment in the life of a bird when the old feathers stop serving their purpose. They are frayed, worn, and heavy with the dust of past flights. The bird does not panic. It does not call...
August 8, 2026 - 09:09
St. Petersburg psychologist shares advice for long-term health improvementsClinical psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Bendick in St. Petersburg is pushing back against the idea that better health requires a complete life reset. Instead, she argues that lasting improvement comes...