Who else can help

Finding a health professional who you can work with may depend on a number of things, including the approach they use and how comfortable you feel with the person. 

Not everyone is right for you, and it’s important to get the right fit. The first health professional you see might not be right. When you first talk to a health professional, it can be useful to ask, “How can you help me?” or “What can you do for me?”. If you don’t like their answer, or if you’re not happy after the first session, you don’t have to stay with them. Even though it’s hard to have to start again, it’s worth it to find someone who you feel comfortable with. You can always ask your friends if they use someone who they would recommend.

You can check if your health professional is a registered practitioner under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act. Being a registered practitioner means they are recognised and regulated by a professional body. 

Your doctor

A visit to your family doctor or general practitioner (GP) is often the first step in getting help for physical or mental health problems. 

Your doctor can assess your symptoms and talk with you about what might be the best way for you to get treatment. That might mean taking medication, going to talking therapy or referring you to someone else who has specialist knowledge. 

Your doctor can also help you work out a self-help programme and keep an eye on your progress along the way

Go back to your doctor on a regular basis so that they can review your situation and think about whether to adjust or change your treatment. If there is no improvement or the depression or anxiety gets worse, your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist or another mental health professional, and they might recommend hospital care. 

Psychotherapists or counsellors

Counselling is the process of helping and supporting a person to work through personal, social, or psychological challenges and difficulties. 

A well-trained counsellor will help you to see things more clearly and possibly from a different view-point. They will support you to focus on feelings, experiences or behaviour that will assist you to make changes for the better. 

Psychotherapists are similar to counsellors in that they provide counselling and they may also offer therapy for past issues or trauma.

Psychologists

Psychologists, and more specialised Clinical Psychologists, are registered health professionals who can help you work out what’s happening for you. They are trained to give and explain tests and assessments that can help diagnose a condition or tell more about the way you think, feel and behave.

Psychologists use a range of approaches to help you improve your life. Most commonly, they use psychotherapy (or talking therapy). There are several different types of therapy. Their aim is to give you skills to keep yourself well. The psychologist will choose the type of therapy that best addresses your problem and that you feel comfortable with. 

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are specialised in mental health. They can make health assessments, suggest medical tests and treatments. Treatments include talking therapies and medication. 

Trained peer supporters 

Peer Supporters are people who have been through mental health problems themselves and have recovered. They've had training in how to give hope and support to people who are going through similar challenges. 

You’ll find self-help groups, peer partnerships and one-to-one peer services throughout New Zealand. The Family Services directory includes an up-to-date list of active groups. Also check out the support groups on the Mental Health Foundation website.

Your privacy

All health practitioners must keep your personal information confidential. This means that it can’t be shared with people who are not directly involved as professionals in your care without your permission. The only exception to this rule is if they feel there is a risk to your or someone else’s personal safety.