Health professionals can help with a wide range of issues and offer many forms of support and treatment. These might be: referrals, assessment and diagnosis, medication, treatment and therapy, skill development, and long-term management. Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start or where to go, so we’ve put together a brief guide of different professionals and what you can expect from them.
For more information on how to know it’s the right time to get help, read through Create a Plan
A quick note: The healthcare system in New Zealand is under pressure, particularly for mental health services. It’s very important that you still keep trying to access professional help.
Who can help?
Helplines: If you need to talk to someone right now without an appointment, helplines like 1737 and Youthline offer free support with extended hours (some are even 24/7). You can often call, text, or chat with them, and you definitely don’t have to be in crisis to reach out. While helplines aren’t a replacement for ongoing professional support, they’re a great way to bridge. The people on the other end are trained to listen and support you and help you figure out next steps, whether that’s for yourself or someone you’re supporting. While helplines are not a replacement for ongoing professional support, they’re a great bridge while you’re waiting to see someone.
General Practitioner (GP): A GP is a good first step when looking for some additional help. They have knowledge on other professionals and organisations who can help, and are skilled in connecting people with specialists or additional support when needed. They may refer on to a health improvement practitioner or a health coach which are both found within the same medical practice.
Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP):HIPs provide brief intervention support for people with concerns about mental health, addiction, long-term conditions and general wellbeing. Access these through your GP, click here for more information.
Health Coach (HC): Health coaches help people achieve their health goals by providing personalised support, motivation, and guidance. They work on behaviour change and lifestyle improvements, addressing areas such as nutrition, exercise, stress management, and overall wellness. Access these through your GP, click here for more information.
Psychologist: Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and social processes. Psychologists hold a university degree in psychology. There are different types of psychologists, those who offer various talking therapies and tests to help you understand your mental state better are known as clinical psychologists. You might see them in schools, agencies, clinics or private practices.
Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists are medical doctors that specialize in mental health and illness. They can diagnose, prescribe medications and offer therapy to help manage mental health conditions. They mostly deal with more serious issues and can be found in hospitals or clinics.
Counsellor: A counsellor is someone who provides a space to come and talk about difficulties or worries you may be having. They use different techniques to help you understand what’s bothering you, to cope better, and to feel better. They tend to focus on emotions. Counsellors often specialise in areas like family therapy, addiction, anxiety, depression, or trauma. You may be able to access counselling funded through your place of work or study (see Employee Assistance Programmes below).
Mental health nurse: These nurses focus on helping people with mental health struggles. They might talk to you about medication, offer therapy, or help to create a care plan. They work in places like hospitals and community centers.
Whānau ora and iwi-based hauora kaimanaaki: Whānau ora is a Māori approach to health that looks at the wellbeing of the whole whānau. Practitioners work with whānau to create plans that include physical, mental, spiritual, and social health, to help them achieve their goals. These can include indigenous approaches to wellbeing & healing, for example mirimiri.
Social worker: Social workers help people in overcoming tough situations and improve their quality of life. They offer support and resources for things like mental health, housing, and family issues. They often work in schools, hospitals, and community agencies.
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP for short): Some polytechs, unis, and workplaces (and even insurers) have a pathway for free counselling through a separate specialist mental health organisation. What you talk about will still be confidential to your employer, but they may know that you’ve accessed EAP.
Choosing a service in your area
Here is a directory to help you find different organisations who might be able to help. Please note there are more professionals out there who won’t appear on these lists (like private counsellors or Psychologists), but can be found by searching online.
FAQs
But I thought the mental health system was ‘broken’?
It’s true that funding and resourcing issues are putting pressure on the healthcare system across the board. But the mental health system is full of phenomenal people who care a lot, and it’s still very much possible to talk to someone who can help. If the service you want to talk to can’t see you, ask them to tell you who else you can try.
How do I know if this will be the right person?
If you’re not sure which type of professional is the best fit for your situation, you can usually reach out and briefly explain the situation to ask if they are able to help. You might know what help you want, or you may not know what you’re looking for – both are all good.
Even within one speciality, some professionals might be a better fit than others (we all click with different people and professionals have different styles and ways of working). If things don’t feel right after the first appointment, tell them this (even if it feels tricky, they’ve probably heard it before) and you may be able to see someone who you gel with better.
How much will it cost?
Appointment costs vary depending on who you see and where they work. When you book, or as you’re thinking about where to book, ask how much it will cost. You might be able to access discounts or subsidies through the likes of ACC, Work and Income, or a GP.
They/I live rurally. Do I have to travel to see someone?
Post-Covid, lots of healthcare professionals now do ‘telehealth’ – meaning you can talk to someone over the phone or even video call. Get in touch with the professional you’re thinking about seeing to ask whether this is an option.