2 - (OP11) Establishing Licensed Psychology Assistants to Improve Access to Cbt-informed Care: Workforce Innovation from Aotearoa New Zealand

Internationally, mental health systems face substantial gaps between demand for cognitive and behavioural therapies and available workforce capacity. In many countries, delivering CBT as a licensed psychologist requires master’s- or doctoral-level training, limiting access to the profession and contributing to persistent workforce bottlenecks.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, national developments in psychology workforce design have led to the creation of the Psychology Assistant role – a licensed, university-trained, entry-level psychology practitioner operating at the lower level of clinical complexity and within a regulated professional framework. The role is intended to extend capacity for delivering CBT, support access to psychological services in underserved communities, and create a new, professionally recognised entry point into the psychology workforce.
This presentation examines the policy and practice considerations underpinning the development and imminent implementation of this role. We highlight three issues central to equitable and sustainable CBT delivery: (1) defining a safe entry-level scope of practice; (2) developing university training that is responsive to community needs; and (3) using scalable education approaches, such as simulation-based learning, to support rapid skill development and prepare graduates for effective and culturally responsive practice within multidisciplinary and stepped-care systems.
Although formal evaluation data are not yet available, this case offers transferable insights into how regulation, education, and workforce policy can function as mechanisms for supporting the provision of CBT to address mental health and addiction needs. The Aotearoa New Zealand experience contributes to international discussions on how CBT-informed psychological therapies can be expanded in ways that are affirming, equitable, and professionally sustainable.