New role to boost mental health access
AUT will be helping develop training for a new associate psychologist role to help more New Zealanders access mental health and addiction support.
The announcement, made by Minister of Mental Health Matt Doocey in the new Tukutuku building on North Campus, will see AUT working alongside the University of Canterbury to develop a curriculum to train students for the new qualification.
Students graduating with an undergraduate degree with a psychology focus may now be able to continue their studies to complete a one-year post-graduate diploma to become an associate psychologist.
“We are delighted to be collaborating with the University of Canterbury to deliver this important initiative,” says Dr Liesje Donkin, Associate Professor in Psychology and Neuroscience, who will be co-leading the work at AUT.
“The qualification will offer students a new accessible pathway into a career in mental health. We anticipate that will include opportunities for students who want to become psychologists to step out of study, and move into the workforce, gaining valuable experience and a chance to earn while they learn. We expect some may return to further psychology training,” Donkin says.
The post-graduate diploma will be underpinned by psychological theory, clinical skill development and practical experience, ensuring any graduates are well-prepared for entry into the workforce.
“We are aiming to train 20 students in the first intake for the new programme in 2026, with the first graduates joining the workforce in 2027. We hope this number will grow over time,” says Donkin.
“We are grateful for the constructive feedback we’ve had from registered psychologists and these views from our professional colleagues will help inform the programme development and stakeholder engagement work ahead.”
Professor Brett Cowan, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, says the Postgraduate Diploma in Associate Psychology responds to a national call for a mental health workforce that has high flexibility to deliver impact.
“Responding to sector needs and requirements, this qualification reflects AUT's commitment to innovation and preparing graduates to support the wellbeing of communities across Aotearoa."
Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora Acting Director Mentally Well Lisa Gestro says the new qualification is part of a programme of work to increase the mental health and addiction workforce in both the short and long term, allowing the organisation to continue to build capacity over time.
“We’re working to strengthen and continue to develop a sustainable multi-tiered workforce,” Gestro says.
“People seeking help from mental health services have widely varying backgrounds and needs.
“The associate psychologist will add a new tier of complementary skills to our services, working as part of a multi-disciplinary team that considers the whole person, providing support tailored to the needs of each individual and their whānau.”
AUT and the University of Canterbury will work collaboratively alongside Health NZ and the New Zealand Psychologists Board (NZPB) to ensure the qualification meets workforce needs and regulatory requirements.
The NZPB will also advise on a final title for the role, so the name “associate psychologist” is being used as a placeholder.