Practicum in Psychology Assistance

The practicum includes 600 hours of supervised practice in a mental health or addiction service setting. Under supervision, you will apply and extend the knowledge, skills, and professional values you have developed across the qualification by contributing to psychological assessment, psychoeducation, and the delivery of psychological interventions, including individual and group-based approaches. You will further develop your competence in professional communication, interprofessional collaboration, deliberate practice, and culturally responsive, Te Tiriti o Waitangi-informed work with diverse communities. Learning occurs primarily through your supervised placement, completed over multiple weeks at a typical intensity of 4-5 days per week, supported by regular clinical and cultural supervision, lived experience reflective practice, and ongoing portfolio development. You will complete weekly portfolio tasks to demonstrate competence across the Psychology Assistant scope, and you will meet regularly with your cohort for online reflective hui to share learning, discuss placement experiences, and strengthen professional identity and wellbeing. A final exam provides an integrated assessment of your readiness for registration under the Psychology Assistant scope of practice.