Please note that the Mental Health Foundation does not recommend particular organisations or individuals, but provides information to help you to make your own choice.
If you feel unwell your best starting point is usually your GP (family doctor). GPs are trained to assess, treat and manage many mental health issues within primary care (the community rather than in a hospital). Your GP can refer you to your local community mental health service or elsewhere if needed. or they may be able to manage your illness themselves.
If you need help to find a GP, there are several ways to do this. You can:
Local Community Mental Health Service (provided by district health boards)
Contact details are in the front of the phone book under Hospitals and Other Health Service Providers. There may be specialist Maori, Pacific Island, Adult, Older Persons and Child & Adolescent services. You will usually need to be referred by your GP.
Local Women's and Men's Centres
These may have lists of recommended local health professionals
Home and Family Counselling, Auckland
Home and Family is a community-based service providing professional counselling to individuals, couples and families in three centres across Auckland. It has provided counselling with accredited counsellors for over 125 years. Payment is by donation and based on a sliding scale according to income.
You are entitled to see another doctor for a second opinion. It's important to find a doctor you are happy with, so shop around.
NZ Medical Association − Unhappy with your Healthcare?
A good outline of what steps to take if you are unhappy with the service or care you have received.
Health and Disability Services Consumers' Code of Rights
Health and Disability Commissioner 0800 11 22 33
If you feel your rights have been infringed and would like to lay a complaint.
Please note the Mental Health Foundation does not recommend particular organisations or individuals, but can provide information to help you to make your own choice.
There are several ways to access a counsellor:
Visit the FindSupport website to find an ACC registered therapist.
Colleges and professional organisations
Read Te Pou's A Guide to Talking Therapies in New Zealand