Mental health care in New Zealand

Contact someone who can help.

Pick a reachable service, use an easy message template, and make first contact without needing the perfect words.

Start guided contact Health NZ help page

When it feels urgent

If you might hurt yourself or someone else, or you feel unable to stay safe, call 111, go to the nearest emergency department, or contact your local mental health crisis team. If you can stay safe but need someone now, call or text 1737.

Call 1737

Guided first contact

Tell us enough, choose someone, send the first message

No account, no diagnosis required. Your answers shape the provider matches and the message template, so the next step is ready to use.

1. A few guide questions

0 of 5 guide questions complete

Your answers stay in this browser. Choose the closest option; it does not need to be perfect.

Optional. You can choose manually.
Support preferences
What is happening? Choose at least one
What makes care hard?
2. Your care path
3. Choose a first contact
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4. Make contact
Choose a provider above, or use the message with any service you find.

This can be low pressure

  • A short message is enough.
  • You can ask about cost before sharing details.
  • You can ask whether they are a good match.
  • You are allowed to change provider if it does not feel right.
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Money help

Funding routes to ask about

WINZ Disability Allowance for counselling

Work and Income may help with counselling fees and transport through Disability Allowance. WINZ currently lists a maximum of $82.85 per week, and first-time counselling applications can cover up to 10 sessions when eligibility and forms are met.

WINZ counselling information

Free primary mental wellbeing support

Access and Choice services are free, practical supports often reached through a GP or nurse. They may include Health Improvement Practitioners, health coaches, and community support workers.

About Access and Choice

ACC Sensitive Claims

If distress is linked to sexual abuse or assault, ACC says Sensitive Claims can provide fully funded support, treatment, and assessment services.

ACC Sensitive Claims

WINZ counselling eligibility, in plain English

  • The counselling must be for a health condition or disability likely to last at least 6 months.
  • The counselling cost must be regular and ongoing, and not fully covered by another agency such as ACC.
  • You do not need to already be on a benefit to qualify.
  • You need to be 16 or older, a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, and within the income limits.

What provider counts

  • Counsellors must belong to a recognised body such as NZAC, the Psychotherapists Board, SWRB, ANZACATA, NZCCA, or eligible DAPAANZ membership.
  • Psychologists must be registered with the Psychologists Board and hold a current practising certificate.
  • Ask before booking: "Can you complete the WINZ Disability Certificate - Counselling form?"

Application steps

  • If you already get WINZ payments but not Disability Allowance, complete the Disability Application for existing clients and the counselling certificate.
  • If you already get Disability Allowance, complete the Disability Certificate - Counselling form.
  • If you get no WINZ payments, apply online and complete the counselling certificate.
  • The counselling certificate needs input from you, a health practitioner, and the counsellor.

Important limits

  • First-time counselling applications can cover up to 10 sessions; more can be requested if a health practitioner recommends them.
  • WINZ says Disability Allowance can include counselling and transport, up to the weekly maximum.
  • WINZ does not pay for counselling unrelated to the condition, free hospital counselling, or childcare while attending counselling.

Care options

What each door is good for

GP or nurse

Medication review, medical causes, referral, medical certificates, WINZ forms, and free Access and Choice supports where available.

1737

Free call or text any time for a trained counsellor when you need support, advice, or help choosing the next service.

Counsellor or therapist

Good for talking therapy, coping skills, grief, stress, depression, anxiety, and relationship patterns. Ask about WINZ, ACC, EAP, and sliding-scale fees.

Psychologist

Assessment and evidence-based therapy for depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD questions, complex distress, and behaviour change.

Psychiatrist

A medical specialist for diagnosis, medication complexity, bipolar or psychosis concerns, high risk, or treatment that is not improving.

Men's centres and peer support

Lower-pressure entry points for men who want practical support, someone to talk to, groups, or help navigating services.

Barriers to care

Common blockers and workarounds

CostAsk GP reception about free HIP appointments. Ask counsellors whether they complete WINZ forms.
TransportWINZ Disability Allowance can include transport to counselling when eligible.
Privacy1737 can be text-only. You can ask services what appears on bills, records, and appointment reminders.
WaitlistsUse 1737 while waiting, ask for cancellation lists, and try GP-based same-day wellbeing support.
CultureAsk for Maori, Pasifika, Rainbow, male, female, or trauma-informed support. It is okay to change provider.
Hard to explainBring one sentence: "I am not coping like usual and I need help making a plan."

Key sources