Mental health services
Most people will be referred to mental health services through their GP or family doctor. On this page you can find out what to do in an emergency, read a list of helplines, and access other resources to help you find services.
What to do in an emergency
If you’re seriously concerned about someone’s immediate safety:
- call 111 or take them to the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) at your nearest hospital
- phone your nearest hospital, or your district health board’s psychiatric emergency service or mental health crisis assessment team
- remain with them until support arrives
- remove any obvious means of suicide (eg, guns, medication, cars, knives, rope).
Helplines
- The Depression Helpline (0800 111 757)
- Healthline (0800 611 116)
- Lifeline (0800 543 354)
- Samaritans (0800 726 666)
- Youthline (0800 376 633)
- Alcohol Drug Helpline (0800 787 797)
Other resources
- Contact details for mental health services in your area (Health and Disability Commissioner website).
-
List of support groups and tips on choosing a counsellor (Mental Health Foundation website).
Find out more from the Ministry
Mental health – Read about the Ministry’s work in the areas of mental health, depression and suicide prevention.
Mental health-related legislation – Legislative Acts relating to mental health and addictions are summarised below. Each Act can be viewed in full on the New Zealand Legislation website.
In this section
- Phone numbers for mental health crisis services (emergencies only). Read more
Related areas
- Suicide prevention
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Dementia
- Eating disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Alcohol and drugs
Resources
Having Suicidal Thoughts?
Available from the Ministry of Health.
Everyday People and Mental Illness
Available on HealthEd.
Feeling Good
Available on HealthEd.
Anger, Conflict, Bullying
Available on HealthEd.
Stressed Out
Available on HealthEd.
Grief and loss
Available on HealthEd.
Page last updated: 02 April 2013
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