Christchurch

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Mental Health Support

Resources and services aimed at mental health, counselling, and psychological support in Christchurch.

Sections

1. Categories of Mental Health Support in Christchurch

a. Crisis Support

  • Services:

    • 1737 – Need to Talk?: A free, 24/7 helpline where you can call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counselor.
    • Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) Crisis Resolution Service: Provides urgent mental health support for individuals in crisis. Available 24/7 at 0800 920 092.
    • Lifeline Aotearoa: A national helpline offering support for those in distress. Call 0800 543 354 or text HELP (4357).
    • Suicide Crisis Helpline: For individuals or those concerned about someone at risk of suicide. Call 0508 828 865.

  • How to Access: No referral is needed for these services. Simply call or text the helpline.

b. Counseling and Therapy

  • Services:

    • Public Services: Free or subsidized counseling is available through the public healthcare system (see below for access details).
    • Private Therapists: Numerous private psychologists, counselors, and psychotherapists operate in Christchurch. You can find them through directories like the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) or Psychology New Zealand.
    • Non-Profit Organizations:
      • Family Works: Offers affordable counseling for individuals, couples, and families.
      • Catholic Social Services: Provides counseling services regardless of religious affiliation.
      • Youthline: Specializes in youth counseling and support.

  • How to Access:

    • Public services often require a referral from a General Practitioner (GP).
    • Private therapists can be contacted directly, and no referral is needed.

c. Long-Term Mental Health Support

  • Services:

    • Specialist Mental Health Services (SMHS): Provided by the Canterbury District Health Board for individuals with severe or complex mental health needs.
    • Community Mental Health Services: Local clinics offer ongoing support for those with moderate to severe mental health conditions.

  • How to Access: A GP referral is required for SMHS and community mental health services.

d. Peer Support and Group Therapy

  • Services:

    • Anxiety New Zealand: Offers peer support groups and workshops for managing anxiety.
    • Mental Health Advocacy and Peer Support (MHAPS): Provides peer support, advocacy, and recovery programs.
    • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA): Support groups for addiction recovery.

  • How to Access: Contact the organization directly to join a group or program.

e. Child and Youth Mental Health Services

  • Services:

    • Child, Adolescent, and Family Mental Health Services (CAF): Specialized support for children and young people under 18.
    • Sparklers: A free online toolkit for parents and teachers to support children’s mental health.
    • Youthline: Offers counseling and support specifically for young people.

  • How to Access: CAF services require a GP or school referral, while Youthline can be accessed directly.

2. Cost Expectations

  • Public Services: Mental health services provided through the public healthcare system are free for New Zealand residents and those eligible under the reciprocal healthcare agreement (e.g., Australian citizens). This includes crisis support, SMHS, and community mental health services.
  • Private Services: Costs for private counseling or therapy typically range from NZD $100–$200 per session, depending on the provider. Some therapists offer sliding scale fees based on income.
  • Non-Profit Organizations: Many non-profits provide low-cost or free services. For example, Family Works and Catholic Social Services offer affordable counseling options.
  • Insurance: If you have private health insurance, check whether it covers mental health services.

3. How to Access Mental Health Services

Step 1: Register with a General Practitioner (GP)

  • GPs are the first point of contact for accessing public mental health services. They can assess your needs, provide initial support, and refer you to specialist services if necessary.
  • To find a GP, visit the Pegasus Health website or ask for recommendations from locals.

Step 2: Self-Referral for Crisis or Non-Profit Services

  • For immediate help, contact crisis helplines or non-profit organizations directly. No GP referral is needed for these services.

Step 3: Search for Private Therapists

  • Use online directories like the NZAC or Psychology New Zealand to find private counselors or psychologists. Contact them directly to book an appointment.

Step 4: Accessing Community or Specialist Services

  • If referred by a GP, you will be contacted by the appropriate service (e.g., SMHS or CAF). Wait times can vary depending on demand.

4. Key Cultural and Community Considerations

a. Māori and Pasifika Mental Health Support

  • Christchurch has services tailored to the needs of Māori and Pasifika communities, recognizing the importance of cultural identity in mental health care.

    • Te Whare Tapa Whā: A holistic Māori health model that considers mental, physical, family, and spiritual well-being.
    • Purapura Whetu Trust: Provides culturally appropriate mental health services for Māori.
    • Pacific Trust Canterbury: Offers mental health support for Pasifika individuals and families.

  • How to Access: Contact these organizations directly or ask your GP for a referral.

b. Multicultural and Migrant Support

  • Christchurch is home to a growing migrant population, and there are services designed to support mental health in culturally diverse communities.

    • Canterbury Refugee Resettlement and Resource Centre: Offers mental health support for refugees and migrants.
    • Shakti Community Council: Provides culturally sensitive support for women from Asian, African, and Middle Eastern backgrounds.

  • Language Support: Interpreters are available for public health services. Let your GP or service provider know if you need one.

c. Earthquake Recovery and Trauma Support

  • Christchurch has a history of earthquakes, and many residents have experienced trauma related to these events. Specialized services are available for earthquake-related mental health issues, such as:
    • All Right?: A campaign supporting mental health and well-being post-earthquakes.
    • Earthquake Support Coordination Service: Provides practical and emotional support for those affected by earthquakes.

5. Additional Tips for Newcomers

  • Emergency Services: In a life-threatening situation, call 111 for emergency assistance.
  • Community Networks: Joining local community groups or cultural organizations can help reduce feelings of isolation and improve mental well-being.
  • Workplace Support: Many employers in Christchurch offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) that provide free counseling sessions.

6. Useful Contacts

  • 1737 – Need to Talk?: Call or text 1737 (free, 24/7).
  • Canterbury DHB Crisis Resolution Service: 0800 920 092.
  • Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800 543 354.
  • MHAPS: 03 365 9479.
  • Purapura Whetu Trust: 03 379 8001.
  • Pacific Trust Canterbury: 03 377 3956.

By understanding the available services and how to access them, you can find the right mental health support in Christchurch. Whether you need immediate help, ongoing therapy, or culturally specific care, there are resources to meet your needs.