Clinical Psychologists

Salary & remuneration:

• Base salary of NZD $85K to NZD $150K.

• Higher duties, on-call, call-back and emergency call allowances.

• In New Zealand, the salaries and benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers. The full details of the Psychologists' collective agreement can be found on the Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora website here.

Leave allowances

• 4 weeks of paid annual leave.

• 10 days of paid sick leave per annum.

• Paid parental leave.

• 12 paid public holidays per annum + time in lieu/alternative holiday if rostered on.

• Long-service leave.

Additional benefits:

• Reimbursement of Professional Registration costs.

• Senior and consultant titles are awarded following a successful application.

• A relocation package for international candidates.

• If eligible, a minimum of a 3% superannuation contribution from Health New Zealand as your employer. Find out more here.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD):

• Psychologists in New Zealand are offered a paid continuing professional development allowance based on years of experience, including access to conferences, further training, and funding for research projects.

Public healthcare system:

• Psychologists in New Zealand benefit from working in a well-structured public healthcare system, which provides comprehensive support to both professionals and patients.

• Professional Indemnity insurance is covered by Heath NZ.

• Working in a bicultural model and with a diverse range of cultures and ethnicities will enable you to experience and evolve your cultural safety practice, as well as learning how your practice could enable equity of outcomes for minority and underserved communities.

To work as a Clinical Psychologist in New Zealand, professionals must meet specific qualifications, experience and skills requirements: 

Required qualifications:

• Master’s or Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology: Candidates must have completed a recognised postgraduate degree in clinical psychology, typically at a master's or doctoral level, which includes supervised clinical training.

• Registration with the New Zealand Psychologists Board: Clinical psychologists must be registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board under the Clinical Scope of Practice. This involves meeting competency standards and adhering to a code of ethics.

• Annual Practising Certificate (APC): Psychologists must hold a valid APC, which requires ongoing professional development and practice within ethical guidelines.

Experience:

• Supervised Clinical Experience: As part of their postgraduate training, clinical psychologists undergo several hundred hours of supervised clinical practice. Experience in various therapeutic settings (e.g., hospitals, mental health clinics) is essential.

• Specialised Experience: Some positions may require experience in specific areas such as child and adolescent psychology, trauma, or neuropsychology.

Key skills:

• Diagnostic and Assessment Skills: Ability to conduct psychological assessments, diagnose mental health disorders, and develop treatment plans based on evidence-based practices.

• Therapeutic Interventions: Expertise in delivering therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, and other treatment modalities.

• Communication and Empathy: Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with clients, families, and healthcare teams. Clinical psychologists must exhibit empathy and active listening.

• Cultural Competence: In New Zealand, knowledge and application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) and cultural safety in practice are crucial, especially when working with Māori and other diverse populations.

• Ethical and Professional Standards: A commitment to maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and adhering to the ethical standards outlined by the New Zealand Psychologists Board.

• Team Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, often involving other healthcare professionals, social workers, and psychiatrists.

• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Clinical psychologists must use critical thinking to assess complex cases and apply tailored interventions for various psychological issues.

Additional competencies:

• Flexibility and adaptability to work with diverse populations and a range of mental health conditions.

• Commitment to ongoing professional development and upskilling.

For more detailed registration and practice guidelines, visit the New Zealand Psychologists Board

To practice as a Clinical Psychologist in New Zealand, individuals must meet specific registration requirements outlined by the New Zealand Psychologists Board.

Registration with the New Zealand Psychologists Board: To legally practice, clinical psychologists must be registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board under the Clinical Scope of Practice.

Steps for registration:

• Application: Submit an application form, along with evidence of academic qualifications, supervised clinical experience, and any professional development completed.

• Competency Assessment: Applicants may need to provide evidence of competency in key areas, such as diagnosis, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, and cultural competence.

• Examination: If the qualification is from an overseas institution, the candidate might be required to sit for a competency examination or provide proof of equivalent experience.

Annual Practising Certificate - APC:

After registration, clinical psychologists must apply for an APC to practice in New Zealand legally. The APC is renewed annually and requires evidence of ongoing professional development and compliance with the Psychologists Board’s code of ethics and standards.

Fitness to practice:

Applicants must demonstrate they are fit to practice psychology, which includes physical and mental health assessments and background checks to ensure the candidate meets professional standards and ethical requirements.

For more detailed registration and practice guidelines, visit the New Zealand Psychologists Board

General Scope: Psychologist

Psychologists in this scope apply psychological knowledge to assess, understand, and influence behaviour, emotions, or cognitive processes. They may work across a variety of settings and client groups.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Psychology (or higher) from an accredited institution

• Completion of a Board-accredited practicum or internship with a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised practice

Vocational Scopes of Practice

Clinical Psychologist

Focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating emotional, mental, behavioural, or developmental issues through evidence-based therapeutic interventions.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Psychology

• Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology (or equivalent)

• 1,500 hours of supervised clinical practice

Counselling Psychologist

Works with individuals and groups to enhance psychological well-being, personal development, and functioning, often using preventative and developmental approaches.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Psychology

• Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology (or equivalent)

• 1,500 hours of supervised practice

Educational Psychologist

Supports children, young people, and educational environments by using psychological assessments and interventions to promote learning and development.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Psychology

• Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology (or equivalent)

• 1,500 hours of supervised practice

Neuropsychologist

Focuses on brain-behaviour relationships, particularly the assessment and rehabilitation of people with brain injuries or neurological conditions.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Psychology

• Postgraduate Diploma in Neuropsychology (or equivalent)

• 1,500 hours of supervised practice

Special Purpose Scopes

Intern Psychologist

Applies to individuals currently enrolled in Board-accredited postgraduate programmes in psychology, undertaking supervised practice as part of their training.

Requirements:

• Completion of the academic components of the programme

• Enrolment in a Board-accredited postgraduate diploma or doctoral programme

Trainee Psychologist

Applies to individuals in specific employer-based programmes (e.g. Department of Corrections or Defence Force) undergoing structured training and supervision as a pathway to full registration.

Requirements:

• Academic qualifications in psychology

• Participation in Board-approved supervised practice