Clinical Psychologist Intern (Fixed Term)

Clinical Psychologist Intern 2026, Nelson, Fixed Term Full-time

Te Tau Ihu is a great placement for a Psychologist Intern as it offers experience in assessment and treatment across a wide range of mental disorders.  This Intern placement is based in Nelson.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

It is the main health provider for Te Tau Ihu, the top of the south. With over 3000 employees, we are Nelson and Marlborough’s largest employer, which means the opportunities here are endless. Our main locations are Nelson and Wairau Hospitals, and the Richmond and Marlborough Health Hubs, but we cover a wide area including Nelson, Tasman, Golden Bay & Wairau. 

About the Role

The role of the Clinical Psychologist Intern includes supervised and independent experience in assessment, diagnosis, formulation and use of a range of psychological therapies.  The Intern position is offered as part of Ministry of Health  support for the Psychology workforce.

The Intern will be supported to continue the requirements of their course, including full-time pay to support study leave during the year.

There will also be opportunities to attend extra specific training as they occur through the year, e.g. Intro to Clinical Supervision, suicide prevention, etc. Interns will have a supervising senior psychologist to monitor and support them as they apply their academic learning to clinical practice. As well, there are peer, multidisciplinary meetings and professional meetings for case discussion and consultation, and ongoing education on specific topics.

The role of Clinical Psychologist Intern includes supervised and independent experience in assessment, diagnosis, formulation and use of a range of psychological therapies. 

Interns will have a supervising senior psychologist to monitor and support them as they put their academic learning into clinical practise. As well, there are peer, multidisciplinary  and professional meetings for case discussion and consultation, and ongoing education on specific topics.

There will be opportunities to attend extra specific trainings as they occur through the year that may be service specific.

This is a fixed term, full-time Internship role for 12 months, working 80 per fortnight (1.0 FTE), Monday to Friday between the hours of 8.30AM and 5.00PM. Starts in 2027. The successful applicant will be offered a 1.0FTE position for a full year; exact dates to be negotiated in accordance with course requirements.

Please view the position description for further information.  

About the Team/Service/ Location

Our Adult mental health teams are specialist, providing assessment and treatment for people 18 years+ with mental health problems which are moderate-severe. There are three adult teams in the service that are divided by geographical location, either in Nelson City or Tasman, based in the Richmond area. There is a small group of nurses and social workers that work alongside our Māori population and share the multidisciplinary teams.

There is a 25-bed acute inpatient unit based in Nelson which covers the region.  The adult internship may include some time in this unit. 

We have great multidisciplinary teams consisting of psychology, nursing, social work, occupational therapy, allied health and nursing assistants, pharmacy and psychiatry.  We encourage a workforce that is innovative, eager to learn and enhance their skills, and passionate about caring for our community.

For more information on living and working in Nelson/Tasman click here

About you

As a Clinical Psychologist Intern you will:

• Have self-motivation, a positive attitude and cooperative well in teams,
• Hold a current Intern Practising Certificate from NZ Psychologists Board,
• Practice within Intern scope of practice,
• Comply with the Health NZ (Nelson Marlborough) Intern position description,
• Have regular weekly on site supervision by a Senior Psychologist.

Applicants will be enrolled in a Clinical or Psychology training programme and have completed the necessary pre-requisites to undertake their Intern year.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in New Zealand or hold a valid NZ visa at the time of applying.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by 26 August 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact

Sonja Rae (Recruitment) at sonja.rae@tewhatuora.govt.nz OR

Nikita Fleming (Manager Operational Support) Nikita.Fleming@nmdhb.govt.nz OR

Sally Thomas (Psychologists Lead) at Sally.Thomas@nmdhb.govt.nz .

Job ref: R1N26-222

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.

Apply now

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