RESOURCES FOR CLIENTS: As the funding for individual counselling is a limited resource, it is timely to remind you that there are many other resources available for patients to self-manage their distress and/or if they have to wait for counselling funding to become available. There is useful information on www.depression.org.nz and www.mentalhealth.org.nz You can also direct patients to 1737 ‘need to talk’. 1737 is designed to meet the needs of anyone who 'wants to talk' to a counsellor. 1737 is not tied to a specific mental health issue or condition. Patients will be talking with a qualified counsellor.
Free call or text 1737 any time, 24 hours a day. You’ll get to talk to (or text with) a trained counsellor. The service is completely free. • • •
Are you feeling anxious or just need someone to talk to? Call or text 1737 Are you feeling down or a bit overwhelmed? Call or text 1737 Do you know someone who is feeling outof-sorts or depressed? Let them know they can call or text 1737
You can read their FAQs and learn more about them.
For your information, you can use an extended consultation (free for the client) to discuss these resources with the client as an alternative option to counselling. DISCRETIONARY FUND: If your practice has used all its funding for individual counselling, there is a discretionary fund held at the PHO for youth 12 – 19 years, high needs clients (Maori and Pacific Island), and clients declined from secondary Mental Health Services and recommended PHO. Please send referrals for these clients via BPAC as usual.
Sylvia Donaldson Primary Mental Health Coordinator sylviad@wboppho.org.nz (07) 571-7160