Counselling and mental health services in the Upper Clutha
If you find that you are unable to get an appointment with a practitioner, or have to wait some time until your appointment, you can contact us to make an interim appointment with the CN/LINK Social Worker, Heather Clay.
Funded mental health services
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ABLE Southern Family Support
• Free mobile family/whanau support service for people affected by someone else’s mental illness or addiction to assist in getting the most out of life
• Information, education and support
• SPHC/Supporting Parents Healthy ChildrenContact
Johnny Ramano - Fieldworker
john@able.org.nz
0800 494 262adminco@able.org.nz
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ADL/Thrive Te Pae Ora
• Free face to face professional counselling for young people 12-24 & their family
• Services include brief interventions or longer-term individual counselling
• Safe, non-judgemental and confidential
• Younger people can self-refer to the brief intervention service via websiteContact
Fiona Brown - Service Leader/Occupational Therapist
fiona@adlnz.org.nz
027 616 92560800 292 988
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Cancer Psychosocial Service (CPS) Te Whatu Ora Health NZ
• Psychological, Social work & Counselling services for adults experiencing psychological, emotional & social issues associated with cancer.
• Face to face online counselling with registered health professionals.
Accepts those with a high suspicion of cancer, or a new diagnosis or recurrence, or those receiving or finished cancer treatment.Contact
CPS@southerndhb.govt.nz
0800 222 158
Referral can be made by GP, self-referral or other health professional. -
Central Lakes Family Centre
• Free primary mental health and social services specialising in working with children and families
• Parent Education courses
• Family violence assistance and support
• Maternal mental health and non-violence programmesContact
info@clfs.co.nz
03 4414331 (Queenstown enquiries)
0508 440255 (Freephone) -
Diversity Counselling NZ
• Nationwide service offering free culturally responsive counselling & wellbeing support in a range of languages.
Issues may include settlement in NZ, life transitions, family or relationship matters, parenting, studying/working in NZ, or something related to culture, traditions, beliefs & identityContact
contact@dcnz.net
021 02625587
0800 143 269 -
Male Survivors Otago/ Nga Tane Morehu o Otakou
• Enables wellbeing of male survivors of sexual violence
• Face to face peer support & peer group support
• Referrals for Specialist Support
• Family & Whanau Support
• Advocacy in any area of need as a survivor
• Assistance with ACC Claims
• Information & ResourcesContact
Lucia Echaniz/Peer Support
Ph. 021 460195
lucia@mso.nz -
Pact
• Pact supports people of all ages recovering from mental illness.
• Community support workers walk alongside people as they recover from mental illness.
• Adult and youth support services - help to set goals, develop new skills and lead a fulfilling life in the community.
• Referral processes can vary so get in touch to find out how to access our services.Contact:
Emily Black - Service Coordinator Queenstown Lakes/Central Otago
emily.black@pactgroup.co.nz
027 205 4036 -
Primary Mental Health Brief Intervention Service (BIS)
• Free assistance and support to people experiencing concerns related to their mental wellbeing
• Up to five sessions of support for those with a mild to moderate mental health need (depression, anxiety, stress and behaviour changes)
• Treatment includes family/whanau involvement as appropriate
• GP or Practice Nurse referral for those enrolled patients who are 20 years and overContact:
info@wellsouth.org.nz
0800 477 1155 -
SDHB Central Lakes Community Mental Health Service
• Adult Mental Health Team (CLCMHT)
• Child, Adolescent, Family Mental Health Service (CAFMHS)
• Specialist Addiction Service (SAS)
• Clinicians from all three teams visit Wanaka on a regular basis
• Referral from GP or health professional is required
• After hours service as directed by Emergency Psychiatric ServiceContact
Dunstan Office - 03 440 4308 centralotagocmht@southerndhb.govt.nz
Queenstown office - 03 441 0010 wakatipucmht@southerndhb.govt.nz
0800 467846 (Freephone) -
SDHB Emergency Psychiatric Service (Invercargill/Dunedin)
• 24/7 emergency crisis service
Contact
0800 467 846
Press 1 for Emergency Psychiatric Services for Wakatipu area
Press 2 for Emergency Psychiatric Services in Central - Cromwell, Wanaka, Ranfuly or RoxburghText or call 1737 for free counselling, anytime
Mental Health Support
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Alcoholics Anonymous Wānaka
• Voluntary, worldwide fellowship of men and women who meet to attain and maintain sobriety
• Weekly meetings in Wānaka (Mondays and Fridays at 7:30pm, Plunket Rooms, 51 Ardmore St, Wānaka) and Hāwea (Wednesdays at 7.30pm, St. Ninian’s Church Hall, Kane Rd, Hāwea)Contact
nzgso@aa.org.nz
03 443 9080
0800 AA WORKS (2296757) (Freephone) -
Narcotics Anonymous
• An anonymous fellowship of men and women for whom drugs have become an issue. Meets regularly to help each other stay clean
• Every Tuesday 7.30-8.30pm, online via Zoom (ID: 915 0667 6631, Password: nzna)Contact
0800 NA TODAY (0800 628 632) (Freephone)
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Otago Mental Health Support Trust
• Free, confidential and independent service
• Promoting full lives for people experiencing mental distress
• No referral requiredContact:
0800 364 462
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Wānaka Mental Health Peer Support Group
• Tea and chat, every Tuesday of the month from 6pm – 7pm at the Plunket Rooms, 51 Ardmore St, Wānaka
• Monthly Walk, last Saturday of the month from 10am – meet at Edgewater Hotel CaféContact
peersupport@mentalhealthwanaka.org
Registered Psychologists
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Mark Littlewood - Registered Clinical Psychologist
• An approved ACC supplier & ACC provider for Integrated Services for Sensitive Claims (ISSC) & Psychological Services.
• Treatments include: ISTDP, CBT, EMDR Accredited Practioner
• Systemic & Family Therapy
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• PsychotherapyContact
info@southernlakesclinic.co.nz
www.marklittlewood.co.nz
www.southernlakesclinic.co.nz
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Naomi Carleton - Registered Psychologist
• BA Psych, Psych (Hons), Member NZPsS
• NZ & Aus registered psychologist with over 20yrs experience
ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy), Mindfulness, CBT
• Compassion Focused Therapy
• EMDR
• Using evidence-based strategies to help people improve their quality of life & achieve their personal goals
• Experience in public & private sectors with issues such as: health concerns, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief & loss, ADHD, stress, employment assistance programsContact
necthree@gmail.com
Based in Wanaka & Online
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Taylor Rapley (ĀHUA Psychology) Registered Psychologist
• BSc MSc (hon) PGDip Psych Practice
• Mental health - anxiety & depression, grief, burnout & stress
• Performance psychology - athletes ranging from World Champions & Olympians through to young & developing athletes.Contact
taylor@ahuapsychology.com
Based in Wānaka, Queenstown and online.
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Melinda Brownsword (Kid's Focus Psychology) Registered Psychologist
• M.Sc, M.Ed.Psych, PGDipEdPsych, MNZPS
• Psychological assessment and therapeutic services for children and adults
• Cognitive testing to assist with Special Assessment Conditions NCEA, learning and/or mental health difficulties such as dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety and depression
• Individual therapy in person or via an online platform provided for those experiencing psychological and emotional issues
• ACC registered providerContact
kidsfocusnz@gmail.com
021 074 3538
Limited services in Wānaka and Queenstown.
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Elke Sherson - Registered Clinical Psychologist (Essence Psychology Ltd)
• Member of NZ Psychologists Board & NZ Psychological Society
• Assessment & treatment of adolescents & adults
• Experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, substance abuse, ADHD, autism, burn-out, behavioral problems, grief & relationship difficulties
• Treatments: CBT, DBT, Schema Therapy, EMDR, ACTContact
essense.psychology.ltd@gmail.com
www.essence-psychology.com
Registered Psychotherapists
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Natalie Astin - Registered Psychotherapist & Child-Centred Play Therapist
• Registered with the Psychotherapist Board of Aotearoa NZ, MNZAP
• Certified Transactional Analyst in Psychotherapy
Postgraduate Certificate in Child-Centred Play Therapy.
• For children: anxiety, aggressive behaviour, depression, grief & loss, trauma or attachment difficulties.
• For adults: experiencing difficulties in relationships, trauma, grief, anxiety & depression.
• For parents: who want to develop a closer bond with their children & learn how to support their mental health & well-being.Contact
natalieplayconnectgrow@gmail.com
021 022 11072Based in Albert Town, Wānaka
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Melinda Brownsword (Kids Focus Psychology Services) - Registered Psychologist
• M.Sc, M.Ed.Psych, PGDipEdPsych, MNZPS
• Psychological assessment and therapeutic services for children and adults
• Cognitive testing to assist with Special Assessment Conditions NCEA, learning and/or mental health difficulties such as dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety and depression
• Individual therapy in person or via an online platform provided for those experiencing psychological and emotional issues
• ACC registered providerContact
kidsfocusnz@gmail.com
021 074 3538Limited services in Wānaka and Queenstown.
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Frankie Dean - Registered Psychotherapist & Child-centered Play Therapist
• Certified Transactional Analyst (Psychotherapy)
• PG Cert. Professional Supervision
• Dipl. Of Prof Counselling, PGDipl. Teaching, Dipl. ECE Dipl. Special teaching needs.
• Registered with the Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa NZ
• Child mental health: anxiety, Anger Management, bereavement, seperation,, domestic violence, chronic illness, trauma & attachment difficulties
• Adults with relationship concerns, grief or loss, PTSD, childhood trauma.
• ACC sensitive claims providerContact
playtherapyotago@gmail.com
027 788 2315Based in Wānaka.
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Mary Ferguson - Registered Psychotherapist
• PBANZ, PRI, MNZACAP, MNZAP Child, Youth and Family Specialist
• Registered with the Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa NZ
• Adults and couples: trauma, grief, anxiety, relationship difficulties
• Children, young people and families with concerns
• Unsettled babies and infants who are hard to understand or manage
• Family dispute resolution practitioner, voice of child specialist
• Member Resolution Institute, PRI
• ACC sensitive claims providerContact
Maryferguson3@gmail.com
027 504 4730 -
Gemma Nott - Registered Psychotherapist/Somatic Experiencing Practioner
• Counselling & Psychotherapy
• Working with adult individuals
• Problems with relationships and loneliness
• Experience of trauma, loss, separation and grief
• Feelings of being stuck and unable to change patterns of behaviour
• MPAnzAContact
Not taking new clients
gemmanott@outlook.com
021 799 332Based in Lake Hāwea.
Professional Counsellors
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Rike Andree - Counsellor, Clinical Social Worker, Drug & Alcohol Clinician and Practitioner
• Member of the Social Worker Registration Board, and Drug and Alcohol Practitioner Association NZ
• Relationship counselling
• Drug and Alcohol Assessments
• Individual counselling specializing in anxiety, depression, grief, substance abuseContact
rike@phoenixcounselling.co.nz
021 038 8248Based in Wānaka.
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Hal Kennedy (The Relationship Clinic)
• MNZAC AMINZ
• Member of the NZ Assn. of Counsellors
• Relationship Counselling
• Approved Family Court Counsellor
• Counsellor, coach, facilitator, mediator, trainer and supervisor who has worked with group and couple dynamics for the past 30+ yearsContact
relationships@outlook.co.nz
0800 488 499www.relationshipcounsellingwellington.co.nz
Sessions available via Skype with limited sessions in Wānaka.
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Kris Letcher - Counsellor/Registered Mental Health Nurse
• BSc Dip. Mental Health
• Services include relationship and individual counselling
• Specialising in adults and men’s health issues
• Wellbeing at Work Group Presentations - Business Support.
• 20 years’ experienceContact
021 140 9225 freedomcounselling500@gmail.com
Based in Wānaka.
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Liz Maluschnig - Counselling & Parent Educator
• Dip. Counselling MNZCCA
• Registered with NZCCA
• Offering a safe, relational and holistic approach as I journey alongside individuals and couples covering a wide range of issues.
• 30 years’ experienceContact
lizmaluschnig@gmail.com
027 433 4520Based in Wānaka
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Michael Sommerhalder (Southland Counselling) - Registered Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
• Registered Drug & Alcohol Counsellor
• Individual counselling for mental health and general problems
• Adolescent mental health
• Drug and Alcohol counselling
• Trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• ACC approved-sensitive claims providerContact
southlandcounselling@gmail.com
021 331 815Service in Wānaka one day per week.
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Michèle Lacroix - Counsellor
• Provisional Member Registered with NZAC
• Trained in Humanistic Psychology and Psychotherapy, Cologne, Germany
• Ethnologist M.A. (ethnopsychology, intercultural communication), Cologne, Germany
• Working with adult individuals and couples
• Short and long-term counselling
• Main areas: trauma, PTSD, addiction, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship issues, migration related distress (grief, loss, social isolation)
• Counselling in person and online in English, Spanish and GermanContact
michilacroix@gmail.com
027 278 3988Based in Wānaka.
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Alli Beattie - Counsellor
• MNZAC
• GFF & WINZ
• 13 Years’ experience
• CBT, Person Centred - eclectic practioner facilitating preferred outcomes for people with each session
• Relationship counselling, anxiety, grief, depression, trauma, seperation, co-parenting, anger, addiction, transitions, abuse, self-harm, relational challenges, burnout, domestic violence, wellbeing
• Couples, individuals, young people
• ACC approved-sensitive claims providerContact
allibeattie@hotmail.com
www.allibeattie.co.nz
027 845 4511
Based in Alexandra/Ranfurly & via phone/Zoom
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Jess Lochte - FeelSeitg Somatic Counselling & Psychotherapy
• Somatic Counsellor, Sensorimotor Psychotherapist - Level 1, Creative Art Therapist
• ANZACATA
• ACC Integrative Services for Sensitive Claims
• Individual counselling & psychotherapy for adults
• Specialising in the treatment of trauma & dissociative presentations
• Body-based/somatic approaches
• Sexual abuse counselling (ACC)
• Fluent in German & EnglishContact
contact@feelseitig.com
028 438 0451www.feelseitig.com
Based in Queenstown & Wanaka
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Mags Helles - Sleep Psychology
• BPsych, MPsych, MPhil
• Member of the Australasian Sleep Association
• Assessment & treatment of sleep problems for adults.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, and evidence-based, gold standard treatment for insomnia recommended by the American Acadamy of Sleep Medicine.
• Short Term sleep therapy - incorporating mindfulness & solution-focused techniques to facilitate meaningful change.Contact
mags@throughthewoods.nz
03 974 7024
Based in Wanaka/Luggate
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Francesca Kreisler - Registered Social Worker & ACC Counsellor
• Registered with the Social Workers Registration Board & a member of ANZASW
• M.A. Social Work
• ACC approved ISSC Counselling & Social Work support
• Child & adolescent mental health
• Parenting support & educationContact
FrancescaKreisler@gmail.com
027 230 1123Based in Wanaka
Health Professionals supporting mental health
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Heather Clay - Clinical Social Worker
• MANZASW
• Registered with the Social Workers Registration Board
• Social work interventions, counselling, family work, advocacy, supervision and mentoring
• Child and adolescent mental health and disability
• Families adjusting to health and disability issues
• Available to act as an ‘advocate’ for individuals/families experiencing ‘difficulties’ with other systems (health, welfare, educational or vocational)
• 30 years’ experience clinical practice in the mental health and disability sector in publicly funded health.Contact
socialworker@communitynetworks.co.nz
021 887 767Based in Wānaka, Central Otago and Queenstown. Home visits can be made with prior arrangement and under certain circumstances.
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Bruce Telford - Mental Health Professional
• Dip Psychology & Social Services
• Certificate in Counselling and Adult Education
• Registered with NZ Social Workers
• Experienced in working with gambling problems, complex family problems, domestic violence, sexually harmful behaviours and specific mental health problems
• Individual counselling: general mental health concerns, life difficulties, stress, anxiety, depression, anger management, gambling addiction
• Free online mental health programme – Survival Strategies for Depression
• 18 years’ experience.Contact
brucetelford@xtra.co.nz
027 630 7512Based in Queenstown.
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Katie Waite - Nurse Practioner, specialist in mental health
• MN, BN, BCom, Dip Grad, PGCert, NCNZ, NPNZ
• Adult psychiatric & mental health assessment, diagnostics, treatment & medication reviews.
• Working with all mild to moderate mental health concerns
• Treatment involves a plan that may include counselling with talk therapy and pharmacological treatmentsContact
katie@kowhaiclinic.com
021 366 369
Based in Wanaka
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Allie Ivy Monks - Healing Birth Practitioner, Registered Nurse
• Birth Trauma debrief and/or planning a healing birth
• Difficult pregnancy, twin or more pregnancy, traumatic birth, NICU experience, difficulties post-partum, planning future pregnancy, birth plans, postpartum plans
• Sessions open to birth givers & partners/support peopleContact
allieivymonks@gmail.com
022 456 3463Zoom or in-person (Wānaka).
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Health Improvement Practitioners (Well South)
• Health professionals with experience in mental health available for free, on-the-day appointments at your medical centre.
• Support for clients of any age with their mental or physical wellbeing.
Contact
Wānaka Medical Centre
03 443 0710Aspiring Medical Centre
03 443 0725
Web-based services
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Beating the Blues
• Treats depression and anxiety using CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
• Requires a doctor’s referralbtb.support@managemyhealth.co.nz
www.beatingtheblues.co.nz -
Calm (Computer Assisted Learning for the Mind)
• Online resource with tools for coping with stress and managing life
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Clearhead
• Free, online mental health support and resources
• Designed by NZ doctors to help you with understanding challenges + finding the help you need
• Book and find available therapists and appointments
• Personalised to your particular issue -
Depression helpline
• 24/7 helpline
0800 111 757
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Just A Thought
• Free, online CBT course that helps you to learn how to cope with worry and stress, so you can take care of your well-being
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Melon
• App and online program that empowers you to take control of your health through sleep, mood, exercise and food
• Digital therapeutics for physical, emotional and social healthwww.melonhealth.com
021 510669 -
Online Therapy NZ
• Online therapists offering short or long-term counselling for individuals or couples for stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief and loss etc
• Sign up requiredwww.onlinetherapy.co.nz/contact-us/
09 888 0779 -
Positive Mind Works
• Confidential and affordable online psychology and counselling services for couples, adults and young people
info@positivemindsworks.co.nz
0800 327 477 -
Puāwaitanga
• Phone and web-based service to support emotional well-being
• Staff are trained professionals and counselling sessions are private, confidential and free
• Can talk about any issues from anxiety, grief, addiction, low self-esteem and relationship issues
https://whakarongorau.nz/puawaitanga
0800 782 999 -
Sparx
• Online tool that teaches young people the key skills needed to help combat depression and anxiety
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The Lowdown
• Support for young people experiencing depression or anxiety
www.thelowdown.co.nz
Free text 5626 -
The National Depression Initiative
• Interactive site with a focus on self-management
• Self-test and options of management and treatmentwww.depression.org.nz
27/7 Freephone Helpline: 0800 111 757 -
1737
• Free service for New Zealanders feeling down, anxious, a bit overwhelmed or just need to chat to someone.
• Call or text 1737 any time, 24 hours a day to talk to a trained counsellor or peer support worker.www.1737.org.nz
Call or text 1737
Mental health and counselling FAQs
The following information is courtesy of the Mental Health Foundation and the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (visit www.mentalhealth.org.nz or www.nzac.org.nz for further information and contact details):
How can I find a doctor or mental health professional?
If you feel unwell, your best starting point is usually your GP (family doctor). GPs are trained to assess, treat and manage many mental health issues within primary care (the community rather than in a hospital). Your GP can refer you to your local community mental health service or elsewhere if needed. Or your GP, may be able to manage your illness themselves.
How do I choose a counsellor who is right for me?
Have a chat asking about time, place and cost. Let the counsellor know what you want to get out of counselling and check that they can provide this. You may also want to ask about the counsellor’s qualifications, their professional membership and the way they work. You should get a sense of whether you would be comfortable talking to this person.
What’s the difference between Counselling and other forms of therapy, like psychotherapy?
There is a lot of similarity between counselling and psychotherapy as they are both “talking therapies”. Psychotherapy recognises the importance of conscious and unconscious psychological processes, and the relationship between the therapist and client to further the healing process. Counselling draws from several theoretical approaches and can include these aspects. It will focus on your difficulties and concerns helping you develop more satisfying and resourceful ways of living.
What sort of things can Counselling help with?
Counselling helps you explore and manage your emotions, thoughts and behaviour. It can help you plan, set goals and improve your relationships. Counselling assists you to address challenges in your life, get to know yourself better and to develop new ways of thinking and living. 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.
What does Counselling cost?
Each counsellor sets their own fees so do not be afraid to ask about this.
Can I get any Government assistance to help with these fees?
There is funding available through ACC, Work and Income and some Primary Health Organisations/GP’s. Ask your counsellor or GP, if any of these apply to you.