How can I find a doctor or mental health professional?
Please note the Mental Health Foundation does not recommend particular organisations or individuals, but can provide a selection of those that we know of to allow you to make your own choice.
If you feel unwell you should first contact your doctor who will refer you elsewhere if need be.
Government Advice Services
Healthline 0800 611 116
A free Ministry of Health 24/7 helpline staffed by nurses who can advise on where to find a doctor.
Centres
- Local Community Mental Health Centres
Contact details are in the front of the phone book under 'Hospitals and other health service providers'. Each DHB will have specialist Maori, Pacific Island, Adult, Elderly and Adolescent services. - Local Women's' and Men's Centres
Have lists of recommended medical professionals. - Registered Medical Practitioners & Medical Centres
Listed in the front of your phone book.
Directories
- Yellow Pages
Lokk under ‘Psychiatrists' & ‘Psychologists'.
Colleges, Organisations
- The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 04 472 7247
Email: nzoffice "at" ranzcp.co.nz For a listing of private psychiatrists, for a referral to a psychiatrist in the public service one should go through their GP. - Primary Health Organisations (PHOs)
Can put you in touch with their GP members. - College of Clinical Psychologists 04 472 4088
- NZ Psychological Society 04 473 4889
Websites
The Low Down
A youth depression website.
Webhealth
Covers Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Taranaki, Auckland, Waitemata, Counties Manukau and Canterbury.
healthpages
Draws together health and well-being services, for self-referral, finding health professionals and their professional profiles. Search by language, male or female and area.
Health Point
Private or public mental health and health services.
Everybody
A New Zealand health consumer website that lists specialists and GPs.
Support Groups and Networks
Balance Network
For those who experience bipolar and or depression.
Depressive Disorders Support Group Waikato 07 838 0199
Email: psych-survivors "at" xtra.co.nz
Depression Support Network Canterbury 03 366 8083
Email: depression.net "at" xtra.co.nz
Local mental health consumer networks
Citizens Advice Bureau 0800 367 222
For details of support group networks.
Unhappy with your current doctor?
You are entitled to see another for a second opinion. It's important to find a doctor you are happy with, so shop around.
Code of Rights
Health and Disability Commissioner 0800 11 22 33
If you feel your rights have been infringed and would like to lay a complaint
NZ Medical Association
Also has a good outline of what steps to take.
