Mental Health & Addiction Services: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to access public counseling and crisis support services in New Zealand if you are struggling with mental health or addiction.
This service provides access to professional counseling and crisis support for individuals facing mental health or addiction challenges.
Who it's for
This support is designed for anyone in New Zealand who is in need of mental health assistance. Whether you are dealing with ongoing mental health struggles or facing specific challenges related to addiction, these services are available to help you manage your well-being.
What you get
The primary benefit of this service is access to professional counseling and crisis support. Counseling can help you develop strategies to manage your mental health, while crisis support is available to assist when you are facing an urgent or acute situation. These services are provided to help individuals navigate difficult periods and find stability through professional guidance.
What it costs you
Accessing these services through a public referral is free. There is no cost to you for receiving this support when you follow the standard public health referral process.
The catch to know
The main thing to keep in mind is that there is a high demand for these services. Because so many people require mental health support, there can be significant wait times for counseling if your situation is not classified as an immediate crisis. If your needs are not urgent, you may need to be patient while waiting for an appointment to become available.
How to apply
- Consult with a healthcare professional, such as your doctor, to discuss your current mental health or addiction needs.
- Work with your provider to obtain a formal public referral to the appropriate mental health service.
- Once the referral is processed, follow the instructions provided by the service to begin your counseling or support sessions.