Aotearoa
is facing a critical shortage of culturally competent,
qualified psychologists, which has placed pressure on the
public, and current providers. Estimates in the last 6 years
suggest that at least 1000 more psychologists are needed to
keep up with current need, which continues to rise[1].
In response to this pressing issue, leading Aotearoa-based
psychological organisations in the field, including The NZ
Psychological Society, NZ College of Clinical Psychologists
and NZ Psychologists Board, are urging political parties to
put increased funding to train more psychologists in their
election promises for the new election term.
While an
increase in the number of psychologists is needed, a
whole-of-system approach is needed to address the multiple
pathways that impact on wellbeing. Evidence shows that
Māori, Pacific and immigrant communities experience
inequitable access to services due to systemic
racism[2].
The He Ara Oranga (the government inquiry into mental
health addictions services report) identified that
culturally enhanced therapies and “a whole of government
approach to well-being, prevention and social determinants
will enhance well-being”.
The shortage of qualified
psychologists has reached a critical point, with long
waiting lists across the board in mental health, and other
health and educational services. Individuals seeking
psychological support are facing significant delays – for
example in Mental Health, the average is 15 weeks wait time
before having an initial appointment[3].
“This
shortage not only affects those in need of psychological
assistance but also places a burden on the existing
workforce, leading to burnout and increased stress levels
among practitioners,” says Dr Paul Skirrow from the NZ
College of Clinical Psychologists.
The demand for
psychological services has been steadily increasing driven
by a growing awareness of mental health issues, the
diversity of educational needs and a reduction in the stigma
surrounding seeking help. Further pressures such as the
Covid-19 pandemic, increases in the number of unhoused
families, job and food insecurity, climate change anxiety,
school attendance issues, and drug and alcohol issues have
impacted wellbeing for individuals, families, and
communities. However, the supply of qualified psychologists
has not kept pace with this rising demand, and solutions
sourced in mātauranga Māori for Māori are also
needed.
To tackle this crisis, leading Aotearoa-based
psychological organisations are calling on political parties
to urgently increase funding to train more psychologists in
Aotearoa New Zealand in the new election term. An increase
in funding will enable the profession to commit to ensuring
Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations will be met, and that
psychological services will be able to meet society’s
cultural and ethnic diversity needs.
“By providing
more opportunities for aspiring psychologists to gain
practical experience and complete their training, we can
start to bridge the gap between supply and demand and
enhance psychological wellbeing for our communities,” says
Veronica Pitt, from the NZ Psychological Society – Rōpū
Mātai Hinengaro o Aotearoa.
Increasing funding for
training will not only expand the pool of qualified
psychologists but also enhance the diversity of perspectives
and approaches within sectors such as health and education.
It is essential that future psychologists are well-equipped
to meet the needs of Aotearoa’s diverse populations and
fulfil our commitments to te Tiriti o Waitangi. Furthermore,
increased investment in the number of culturally competent
psychologists will contribute to the overall wellbeing of
New Zealanders from all backgrounds.
“By cultivating
a strong and sustainable psychology workforce, we can
alleviate the burden on existing practitioners, improve
access to timely and effective psychological services and
ultimately enhance the health and educational outcomes for
individuals and communities nationwide,” says Vanessa
Simpson, from the NZ Psychologists Board.
Leading
Aotearoa-based psychological organisations are urging
political parties to commit to taking immediate steps to
address the shortage of qualified psychologists. Together,
we can work towards a future where every New Zealander has
access to psychological support they need, when they need
it.
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