Provisional Psychologist support welcome, but future psychologists need urgent help 

14 November 2025 

The Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi) has warned that the 1,500 new federally funded internship positions for provisional psychologists are insufficient to address the underlying issues, and that more urgent action is needed to properly bolster the mental health workforce.

AAPi Executive Director Tegan Carrison said the internships were a very positive step but admitted that thousands of potential psychologists were not progressing due to financial barriers.

"Two key things would make a real difference to the long-term health of our workforce - paid student placements for psychology students and Medicare rebates given to provisional psychologists to allow more clients to access services," Ms Carrison said.

“Many of the people this funding is aiming to support, such as First Nations Australians and people from diverse and regional or rural backgrounds, would have already dropped out, because they couldn’t afford to shoulder the costs of uni placements."

"Provisional psychologists have finished their formal education via five years at university and are embarking on their final year of supervised work before gaining their full registration. Despite this, any services they provide do not attract a Medicare rebate for clients."

“This is a real barrier for them being offered employment, and many people do not continue on their career because they simply can’t make a liveable wage for a year while they complete their internship."

“It’s a positive first step, but we need more than a one-off grant. Comprehensive support, including paid placements and Medicare rebates, will help more Australians immediately access psychological care while supporting the future workforce.” 

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