Talking about our thoughts, feelings and issues is an important way of dealing with them. Our friends and whānau can often help us but sometimes it’s helpful to share our worries with a trained professional.

So how do you find the right help to suit your needs? Here are some definitions to help you identify what would work best for you, and local contacts for the service providers. It's totally OK to try different providers – everyone is different and it might take time to find the right fit or combination for you.

​

General Practitioner (GP): Have a chat to your GP for advice if you’re experiencing physical or emotional symptoms. It’s important to understand what’s happening inside your body and how it might be affecting you. Early intervention is key for treatment and for keeping yourself well.

 

GPs are trained to assess, treat and manage many mental health issues within primary care in the community rather than in a hospital. They may be able to help you manage your symptoms or refer you to other support services if needed.

 

Health Improvement Practitioners (HIPS): HIPs sit within designated GP practices and are qualified, registered health professionals with experience in mental health. They provide free support to anyone who is enrolled at the medical centre and work with people of all ages to help improve their wellbeing.

A GP or practice nurse may suggest that you meet with a HIP in addition to your consult or, if you’re a patient of the medical practice, you can call Reception directly to arrange a time with a HIP. Same same-day appointments can be made.

At the end of a session (20-30 minutes), you will leave with a plan to start improving your wellbeing or a referral to another service if necessary. A follow-up appointment may be arranged if required. HIPs do not offer therapy, case management or crisis services and you can still access other services or therapies in addition to seeing them.

 

Health Coaches: Health Coaches are based in GP practices and work alongside Health Improvement Practitioners and the general practice teams. Like HIPs, they accept same-day, ‘warm handovers’ from GP staff for people needing help. They work with people over 18, and come from a range of health and wellbeing backgrounds and support you to take positive steps forward for improving your health. This includes goal setting for a range of concerns, including stress, physical activity, medication adherence, and chronic conditions; self-management & referral pathways.

 

​

Social workers: Social Workers connect with the community and often work in multidisciplinary teams providing assessments, intervention planning and support to families and individuals to overcome barriers to wellbeing and achieve their full potential.
This can include coordinating practical needs for you like access to food banks, budgeting and other resources in the community or it could also include facilitating programmes, access to counselling, advocacy, assistance with seeking legal support, health, education, mental health, and safety support. To be called a social worker you must be registered with the Social Workers Registration Board.

​

​

Counsellors: Counselling is a type of Talking Therapy that helps you explore and manage your emotions, thoughts and behaviour in a safe and supportive environment. It assists you to address challenges in your life, get to know yourself better and develop new ways of thinking and living. It can also help you plan, set goals and improve your relationships.

​

Counselling helps with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life changes and stress, relationships with family, friends and work colleagues, trauma and abuse, domestic and sexual violence. There are many types of counsellors, including relationship and family therapists, grief counsellors, addiction and substance abuse counsellors, so look for one that best suits your needs. Professional counsellors need to hold a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree in Counselling and be a member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors or a similar professional body.

 

​

Community Support Workers (CSW): CSWs are employed by community agencies and walk alongside you to support you to achieve your goals. They help with anything that’s non- clinical but is having a big impact on your wellbeing and ability to make progress. This can include helping you to navigate daily living. CSWs also use their knowledge of social services to help you work with government agencies like Work and Income New Zealand or Kāinga Ora.

 

​

Clinical Psychologists: Clinical Psychologists are trained in assessment, diagnosis and treatment. After doing an assessment, they will use evidence-based therapies to make sure your treatment is effective and tailored to meet your needs.

 

Clinical Psychologists are trained to help people who are feeling overwhelmed and struggling to function day-to-day, their actions are causing harm to themselves/others, and they’re experiencing emotional difficulties which are affecting their wellbeing. They must hold an Annual Practicing Certificate in order to practice and hold the title of Clinical Psychologist. Psychologists can be found through the NZCCP website and the NZ Psychology Society website.

​