How to access mental health services
If you are concerned about your immediate safety or the safety of someone else, dial 111 for emergency services.
The 1737 service: Phone or text 1737
To talk to (or text with) a trained counsellor any time, 24 hours a day. Phone or text 1737.
Lifeline Counselling Service: Phone 0800 543 354
Need help right now? Lifeline Aotearoa's telephone counselling service provides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week counselling and support. Phone 0800 543 354.
Suicide Crisis Helpline: Phone 0508 828 865
24/7 confidential and free telephone counselling and support service for those who may be thinking about suicide, or for those who are concerned about friends or whanau. This helpline is staffed by highly experienced helpline counsellors with training in suicide prevention and intervention. Phone 0508 828 865.
Go to the Suicide Crisis Helpline website.
Kidsline: Phone 0800 543 754
This is a counselling service for young people up to 18 years of age. Phone 0800 543 754.
Youthline: Phone 0800 376 633
Youthline offers phone, text, email and online chat counselling. Phone 0800 376 633 or text 234.
Go to the Youthline website to email or chat online.
The Lowdown: Email or text 5626
Lowdown counsellors can be contacted anytime by email or text (5626). The website also hosts an online chat forum.
Go to the Lowdown website to email a counsellor or chat online.
Safe to talk: Sexual harm information and support: Phone 0800 044 334 or text 4334
This service is staffed by specialists who are trained in sexual harm support. Phone 0800 044 334, text 4334. The website also has an online chat forum.
Go to the Safe to talk website for information or to chat online. Or email [email protected]
Your GP (doctor) or practice nurse can assess your needs, offer advice and treatment. They can also refer you to specialist mental health services.
Brief Intervention Service
The Nelson Bays Primary Health Organisation and the Marlborough Primary Health Organisation both provide a free mental health brief intervention service for people with mild to moderate mental health issues:
Community-based services
There are many community-based services across the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough region that offer respite care, support, day programmes and peer-led support. Find out what services are available in your region.
Te Piki Oranga kaupapa Māori mental health services
Te Piki Oranga is a kaupapa Māori wellness services provider who offers mental health services for both adults and children that can be accessed through a referral from Nelson Marlborough Health mental health services or a GP.
Read more about Te Piki Oranga's services.
Page last updated: 10/06/2022