Mental health and wellbeing support
Our mental health and wellbeing programmes work alongside your general practice team to support you.
Our practitioners work in locations across Ōtautahi Christchurch, including some general practices.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, you may be able to access up to five free sessions to assess what’s going on for you, give you treatment, and refer you to specialist services if needed.
Find out more about our services below to see if they might be right for you.
Brief Intervention Talking Therapy
Brief Intervention Talking Therapy (BITT) is a non-urgent service for people over 16 years old who need short term support with their mental wellbeing.
It is a private and confidential process that allows you to talk with an experienced mental health clinician. The clinician will work with you to find coping strategies that are helpful and lasting. For many people, the most helpful thing about BITT is talking to someone they can trust and coming up with a plan.
Te Tumu Waiora
Te Tumu Waiora (to head towards wellness) provides support services in general practices across Waitaha. The programme has been developed to provide convenient, personalised and holistic care and support if you are experiencing mental distress, addiction challenges, or any wellbeing issues.
You can access the service through your general practice, to see a Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP) or a Health Coach.
- HIPs are part of the general practice team and see people of all ages and at all stages of their lives and with any type of issue related to behaviour change or mental wellbeing.
- Health Coaches may be a registered or unregistered health practitioner who can help you with your physical wellbeing, health literacy and general wellbeing.
Where to get help
Your general practitioner (GP) is the best person to talk to about your mental health. They will be able to offer advice and point you to other services if needed. To find contact details for a practice, you can visit our Health Directory.
Health Directory Search
Locate a health provider near you
Find more support services and resources
Mental Health Education & Resource Centre
MHERC (Mental Health Education & Resource Centre) is a helpful place for more mental health information and services.
In an emergency
In an emergency or an immediate and serious situation when you are concerned for your safety or the safety of those around you, call emergency services on 111.
Crisis Resolution
If the situation does not require an immediate urgent response, contact Crisis Resolution on 0800 920 092 (24 hours, 7 days a week). This service is provided by Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury and covers Kaikoura to Ashburton.
Wellbeing support that meets you where you're at
Find support services for rangatahi youth.
