The first graduates are set to enter the workforce next year, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. Without other pathways available, too many of these graduates are lost from the mental health workforce. “That investment will support up to 50 new Psychology Assistants entering the workforce each year, growing the frontline and helping more New Zealanders access support faster. “This is just one part of our plan to grow the psychology workforce. Psychology Assistants are not replacing psychologists; they are working alongside them to help more people access support.