The University of Canterbury is the first university in New Zealand to deliver a new psychology assistant qualification, with its inaugural students expected to enter the mental health workforce as early as next year.

Mental Health Minister and Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey officially launched the qualification at the university on Friday, meeting students as they began their training.

“These Canterbury 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,” Doocey said.

Psychology assistants will work under the supervision of registered psychologists, supporting people with mental health and addiction needs.

Their work will include delivering low intensity interventions, assisting with assessments, monitoring patients’ progress and providing psychological education.

Doocey said the new role would allow registered psychologists to spend more time helping people with complex needs.

“Here in Canterbury we have some world class psychologists and a significant and growing need for their skills and expertise,” he said.

“These students will not only be able to work alongside some highly experienced psychologists, but also provide a valuable service to the many people who so desperately need the help.”

Doocey said limited postgraduate training places meant many psychology graduates were unable to continue towards professional psychology careers.

“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.”

Budget 2026 allocated $28.45 million to establish the psychology assistant workforce, including funding for employment, supervision and training through Health New Zealand and community mental health services.

Doocey said the funding would support up to 50 new psychology assistants entering the workforce each year.

“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.