Three new psychologist interns join a new initiative to boost psychology workforce in primary care

Tū Ora Compass Health PHO, in partnership with Ora Toa PHO, have welcomed three new Psychology Interns to their teams as part of a Te Whatu Ora initiative to increase the number of psychologists trained across the country with experience in primary mental health.

The three new interns joined the team at the end of January and will be on placements with both PHOs and GP practices over the next 12 months. During this time, they will complete their final year of training as Health Psychologists and Clinical Psychologists, gaining experience across different primary health settings. These include Piki, Tū Ora’s Primary Solutions and Long Term Conditions Team, Ora Toa Mauriora and The 502 Rangatahi Ora (YOSS), and in general practice.

Project Manager for Primary Mental Health Kris Garstang said the initiative is a welcome addition to support the great work that happens in primary care for mental health.

“So much work happens in primary care to support the mental health of our communities across various areas. However, there aren’t many psychologists working in primary care settings, despite their skills being so valuable for helping people overcome mental health problems, in particular anxiety and depression. When the services are busy, some people can struggle to access our specialist services. Psychologists are perfect for providing effective care in these situations. They’re skilled in specialised treatments for conditions like OCD and PTSD which can be difficult to access help for” she said.

“This initiative will not only increase the number of psychologists trained in Aotearoa but also increase the number of psychologists working in primary care settings providing these kinds of treatments” she said.

Tū Ora is also supporting the programme with a new supervisor for the programme. Alanna Forde was recruited at the beginning of January to offer support and mentorship for the interns.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the team to help increase the number of Psychologists working in Primary Care settings. The initiative will help support more of our community in a primary care setting, those who really need to access the service and ensure more people can access help in a timely manner” Ms Forde said.

Ora Toa Mauriora, a kaupapa Māori Mental Health and Addiction service within Ora Toa PHO, welcomes this opportunity. “Like many other health services we have been navigating the challenge of being under-resourced which has resulted in long wait times for our community needing to access our services. This initiative will help to reduce wait times to a more manageable level” says Jenny Ngarimu, Kaiwhakahaere at Ora Toa Mauriora.

“We look forward to working with our interns, and in partnership with Ora Toa to improve mental health support in our communities” concluded Ms Garstang.