New Zealand Psychologists Board

Only practitioners who are currently registered by the New Zealand Psychologists Board can lawfully use the title "Psychologist" or any other names, words, titles, initials, abbreviations, or descriptions stating or implying that they are a Psychologist. [Refer section 7(1) of the HPCA Act]

Also, no person may claim to be practising psychology as a psychologist or state or do anything that is calculated to suggest that they practise or are willing to practise psychology unless they are registered by the Psychologists Board and hold a current practising certificate. [Refer section 7(2) of the HPCA Act] 

These mechanisms have been made law in order to protect the public by providing reassurance of a Psychologist's competence and fitness to practise, and by providing a system of accountability should the service you receive not be of an acceptable standard.

If you are concerned that someone may be falsely claiming to be a psychologist, you can check the Board's online Register to see if he or she has ever been registered by the Board (and holds a current practising certificate). If he or she does not appear on our Register, please contact us or refer the matter to the Ministry of Health's Enforcement Team.