Different types of therapists in New Zealand

Interested in helping others? A role as a therapist might be for you. There are many different types of therapists in New Zealand, giving you a wide range of options in the field.

Therapists work in mental health, injury recovery, aged care and in dermatology and cosmetology, to name a few areas. Which area you choose to specialise in depends on your abilities and passions. Read on to learn more about the different types of therapists in New Zealand.

9 types of therapists in New Zealand

Different types of therapists address different patient needs related to health and wellbeing. Here’s an overview of some of the main therapist types you’ll find in New Zealand and what qualifications you need to pursue these careers.

1. Mental health therapist 

This type of therapist or counsellor is a highly trained professional who provides treatment for different mental health concerns, including OCD, depression and anxiety, trauma and addiction. Mental health therapists use talk-based approaches to help their clients work through issues.

The roles and responsibilities often include, but aren’t limited to:

• Facilitating individual and group therapy
• Diagnosing mental health disorders
• Building a rapport with patients
• Creating tailored treatment plans
• Keeping detailed records of the patient’s progress
• Referring clients to other therapists

Mental health therapists apply psychotherapies to address patient concerns, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. It’s up to the therapist to decide on the best approach based on their patients’ needs.

To become a mental health therapist, you must complete a relevant undergraduate course at university. Alternatively, you can complete an equivalent level of training through an accredited higher education provider. If you’d like to eventually become a psychologist, you must complete postgraduate study at a master’s level.

 Browse therapist or counsellor jobs.

2. Art therapist 

Art therapists draw on a range of visual arts tools and techniques – like painting, drawing, sculpture and collage – to help improve their patients’ emotional, physical and cognitive wellbeing. Art therapists commonly work with patients who struggle to verbalise feelings and emotions due to developmental or cognitive issues. This can be helpful for treating conditions that affect self-esteem, motor skills or physical coordination, like autism, dementia, Parkinson’s and other conditions.

Art therapists are responsible for:

• Designing appropriate art therapy sessions that meet patient’s goals and objectives
• Establishing goals and objectives for their patients
• Noting patient progress and adjusting programs as needed
• Reporting on a patient’s progress through a program

To become an accredited art therapist, you need a bachelor’s degree in art therapy, counselling, psychology or a related field at university. Once you finish your undergrad, you’ll need to complete an approved master’s degree, like a master's in art therapy, in addition to at least 750 hours of supervised clinical practice before you can register with ANZACATA and start practising.

Browse art therapy jobs. 

3. Beauty therapist 

Beauty therapists are trained professionals who offer a wide variety of skincare and aesthetics services to clients. Working in a salon or clinic, a beauty therapist or cosmetologist might provide several different services per day, including manicures, facials, massages, waxing, laser, skin treatments and makeup services. Beauty therapists often have diverse clientele, and need strong interpersonal skills to work with different people and address the needs of different skin and hair types. 

As a beauty therapist, you’ll often be tasked with:

• Assessing skin conditions
• Providing manicures and pedicures
• Providing facial or body massages and treatments
• Removing facial or body hair using waxing or electrolysis
• Brow and lash tinting
• Applying makeup and offering advice on application techniques
• Scheduling appointments, maintaining client records, and handling financial transactions

Many beauty therapists complete qualifications at a technical college, while also gaining hands-on industry experience with an apprenticeship. Diploma-level courses focusing on specific areas are available if you’d like to specialise.

Explore job opportunities here. 

4. Speech therapist 

A speech therapist helps diagnose and treat communication disorders relating to speaking, stuttering, understanding language, and social skills. Speech therapists work with people of all ages to overcome communication issues and can even help patients who have trouble eating and drinking. Speech therapists provide support throughout all stages of the identification and treatment process, from screening and assessment to intervention, progress monitoring and consultation.

A speech therapist’s responsibilities include:

• Working with patients to understand communication issues
• Treat patients with tailored programs to improve their speech 
• Consult with education, medical, dental and other health professionals
• Provide ongoing support to patients 
• Monitor patient progress

To become a speech therapist, you’ll need to complete a relevant bachelor’s degree in speech pathology or science. You can start practising as a speech therapist from there, otherwise you can go on to complete a postgraduate diploma or master’s degree.

Browse speech therapy jobs.

5. Massage therapist  

Massage therapists are trained to manipulate and put pressure on soft tissue including muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage therapists work with clients to relieve stress and tension, provide pain relief, reduce swelling, improve circulation and rehabilitate injuries. They commonly treat conditions such as neck and back pain, tendonitis or postural strains. They can find employment in clinics, spas, hotels and even medical clinics – or they can work on a freelance basis, in their own space or in clients’ homes.  

As part of their role, massage therapists are often required to:

• Evaluate soft tissue dysfunction
• Offer massage therapy for maintaining, rehabilitating or enhancing physical function and wellbeing
• Manipulate muscles or other soft tissues
• Advise clients on managing or improving these conditions

To become a massage therapist, you need a certificate to secure an entry-level role with an employer. Some employers prefer their therapists to hold diplomas or even first-aid training. 

Explore massage therapist jobs.

6. Diversional therapist

Diversional therapists, also known as recreational therapists, develop and coordinate leisure activities to improve the general wellbeing of individuals and communities. Diversional therapists often work with clients in healthcare and aged-care settings to improve their quality of life. 

Diversional therapists are typically tasked with:

• Designing, organising and executing recreational programs
• Assessing client preferences, requirements and areas for improvement to create customised leisure plans
• Keeping detailed records of activity schedules and local resources
• Offering guidance on accessible activities and program options
• Provide ongoing support to patients

To become a diversional therapist, you need to complete an associated degree, like a bachelor's in health science. Most employers require diversional therapists to also have a first aid certificate, a police check and/or working with children check.

Explore diversional therapist jobs.

7. Occupational therapist  

Occupational therapists (OTs) work with clients who experience difficulties with everyday tasks, to help them regain independence and complete personal care and household tasks themselves. They often work with clients who have disabilities, injuries or illnesses, to provide them with practical solutions to help maintain the skills they need for both work and leisure.

OTs are often responsible for:

• Evaluating injured workers to devise effective return-to-work strategies
• Conducting site visits to understand the obstacles faced by injured employees in returning to their jobs
• Delivering clinical assessments and insights through detailed report composition
• Collaborating with insurers, healthcare providers and employers
• Performing pre-employment assessments to ascertain workers’ fitness for duty

OTs must complete a master’s degree in occupational therapy if they’ve already completed a general undergraduate degree. After they complete their degree, they need to register with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand before they can practise as an OT.

Explore OT jobs.

8. Dermal therapist  

Dermal therapists are trained skincare experts who provide analysis and treatments to improve the health and appearance of their clients’ skin. They typically work with clients who suffer from chronic skin conditions, such as acne, eczema and rosacea. They will have a knowledge of skin and specific skincare treatments like chemical peels, microneedling and microdermabrasion.

Dermal therapists are responsible for a range of tasks, including:

• Advising clients through consultations, assessments and treatment plans
• Administering non-surgical cosmetic treatments
• Offering recommendations and sales of skincare products
• Creating skincare routines and treatment plans
• Overseeing booking systems and handling administrative duties

To become a dermal therapist, you’ll need to complete a qualification in dermal therapy through a recognised training organisation.

 Explore dermal therapy jobs.

9. Music therapist 

Music therapists use music to help improve a patient’s emotional, physical and cognitive wellbeing. Music therapists work with clients of all ages who are experiencing challenges (mental, physical, intellectual, social or emotional), or are just looking to improve their general wellbeing. They do this through musical therapy sessions, allowing their patients to express their feelings and emotions through listening to music, singing, or writing music or song lyrics. 

Music therapists are responsible for:

• Setting goals and objectives for music therapy sessions in collaboration with clients or groups
• Facilitating guided self-expression through music to aid in cognitive or emotional recovery or coping
• Developing personalised treatment plans integrating music therapy, counselling, and psychotherapy methods
• Writing progress reports concerning individual clients or client groups

To become a registered music therapist you must first complete a tertiary course, like a master's in music therapy. From there, you can register with Music Therapy New Zealand and begin practising as a music therapist. 

Browse jobs for music therapists.

There’s a type of therapist to treat almost any condition. If you’re interested in this field, it’s essential to reflect on your interests and abilities, and research the different types of therapists, to understand which specialisation suits you best. By using your passions to improve others’ lives as a therapist, you can enjoy an impactful and personally rewarding career. 

FAQs  

What is the most popular type of therapist? 

With so many different types of therapists, it’s difficult to identify the most popular type of therapist. Each therapist type offers a distinct service that’s intended to target specific concerns.

What is the most qualified type of therapist? 

Different types of therapy require different types of qualifications. Some therapists, like psychologists, music therapists and occupational therapists, need to complete postgraduate study before they’re able to practise, making them some of the most qualified types of therapists.

What are the most in-demand types of therapy?

Cognitive behavioural therapy is currently in high demand, though mental-health therapists in general are in demand. Many types of therapists are in demand within their field of expertise, including occupational therapists and family/marriage therapists. 

How can I decide on a therapy specialisation?

When it comes to choosing a therapy specialisation, it’s important to reflect on your own personal interests, strengths and weaknesses. From here, you can research the different types of therapy to find an area that lines up best with your passions and abilities, and  position yourself to have a fulfilling and successful career.

What are the requirements for becoming a therapist?

The specific requirements depend on the type of therapy job you’re pursuing. You’ll often have to start by completing formal training at either college or university, followed by practical experience in a related field. Depending on your area of therapy, you might also have to complete postgraduate study and register with an industry organisation to be able to practise.