In a significant move to strengthen the nation’s mental health services, the New Zealand government has announced a record increase in the number of clinical psychology internships funded by Health New Zealand. This expansion is part of the country’s broader strategy to address the growing demand for mental health and addiction services.
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey revealed that the number of clinical psychology students receiving Health New Zealand-funded internships has surged to 59 in 2024, up from 41 the previous year. This increase is a key milestone in the first year of New Zealand’s dedicated Mental Health Workforce Plan. The move aims to mitigate the country’s mental health workforce shortage and improve access to care.
“We are committed to expanding the mental health and addiction workforce to ensure all New Zealanders have timely access to the support they need,” said Doocey. “The 2024 increase represents 55 full-time equivalent (FTE) clinical psychology internships. While some interns are part-time, we remain focused on reaching our goal of 70 internships by 2026 and 80 by 2027.”
The government has set an ambitious target to double the number of funded clinical psychology internships by 2027, up from 40 in 2023. This strategic expansion aims to address one of the most pressing skill shortages in the country’s mental health sector.
“Each year, hundreds of students graduate with psychology degrees, but the limited number of clinical internships prevents many from entering the workforce,” Doocey explained. “By increasing the availability of internships, we are not only providing students with valuable career opportunities but also enhancing the capacity of our mental health services.”
As part of the initiative, Doocey met with several clinical psychology interns at the newly launched clinical psychology hub in Waikato. These hubs are designed to integrate a range of mental health services, allowing interns to gain hands-on experience in diverse clinical environments, and better prepare for future roles in the sector.
“We are ensuring that psychology students have the placements necessary to complete their studies and establish careers in clinical practice,” he said. “This initiative is a critical step toward meeting the rising demand for mental health and addiction services across New Zealand.”
In addition to expanding internship opportunities, the government is set to introduce an associate psychologist role in early 2025. This new position will offer additional career pathways for psychology graduates, helping them apply their expertise while addressing the nation’s mental health challenges.
“These initiatives are already making a tangible difference in people’s lives,” Doocey added. “New Zealanders deserve high-quality mental health and addiction care, and we are committed to providing the solutions that ensure they receive the support they need.”
The government’s ongoing efforts reflect a strong commitment to addressing mental health workforce shortages and improving mental health care across the country.
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