The Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand is the regulatory authority appointed under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.

The principal purpose of this Act is to protect the health and safety of members of the public by providing for mechanisms to ensure that health practitioners are competent and fit to practice in their professions.

The Psychotherapist Board of Aotearoa registers Psychotherapists in New Zealand and carries responsibilities in the areas of standards, conduct and competence.

Under the HPCA Act(2003) unless you are registered with the Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand you cannot call yourself a psychotherapist or hold yourself out to be a psychotherapist.

ROLE OF THE EMPLOYER All psychotherapists must hold a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC) to legally practise. If your employee is unable to produce their current APC then check the Board register https://secure.pbanz.org.nz/index.php?PublicRegister or call the Board to check on their status 04 9184727. If an employee works part-time or only a few hours a week, they must still hold a current APC. A current APC should be sighted on employment. The psychotherapists APC year runs from 1 October to 30 September. If your employee is practising without an APC they place themselves and you at risk. For example, if they treat ACC clients whilst not holding a current APC then ACC may ask you to return the funds claimed during the period of time your employee practised without a current APC. Furthermore, the psychotherapist may not be covered by their insurance.