HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Getting help with mental health in teens & young adults
Whai āwhina mō pāpōuri i ngā taiohi me rangatahi
This page has links to information in te reo Māori.
There are several effective treatment options for depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. For rangatahi (young people), these are mainly talking therapies and lifestyle changes.
Online therapy
These courses can help you understand your illness and motivate you with goals. They are useful for everyone, especially if you live in a rural area or if transport is a problem.
- Aunty Dee
Aunty Dee can help solve problems with issues like bullying, depression, drinking, grief and sex. The website is designed for young Pacific people, but it can help all rangatahi.
- Small Steps
A set of tools to help with feelings of anxiety, stress or low mood.
- SPARX
SPARX is a computerised self-help programme for rangatahi aged 12 to 19 with mild to moderate depression.
- Raising Children
A website with specific age and anxiety information and tips for parents.
- The Lowdown
Aims to help rangatahi learn, express and engage around their wellbeing, identity, culture and mental health.
Counselling and social support
Several organisations can provide counselling for rangatahi or whānau (family) members. Some also provide parenting courses and one-to-one parenting support.
Your general practice team can help you find a therapist. This can include access to free counselling.
Manu Ka Rere
Manu Ka Rere is free for rangatahi (young people) aged 13 to 24 who may have mental health or alcohol and drug issues. The service provides short-term intervention, which includes assessment, treatment and support. It also coordinates and supports rangatahi and their whānau (families) to get longer term treatment if needed. Rangatahi can refer themselves to the service. A health professional, community agency, teacher or parent can also refer them.
You can find other organisations using the Mental Health Education & Resource Centre's directory.
School support
The Ministry of Education lists services that can help your rangatahi at school.
Community support
Mental Health Advocacy and Peer Support (MHAPS)
MHAPS offers free peer support for people with mental illness. Phone (03) 365-9479 or contact them by email.
Mental Health Education and Resource Centre (MHERC)
MHERC provides information, education and support within Canterbury to people with mental health and addiction issues. It also provides these services for whānau, caregivers and friends.
Purapura Whetu
Te Kākano Hauora provides free whānau-centred support for people aged 13 years or older with mental health challenges. Your health professional or whānau can refer you or you can refer yourself. Phone 0800-4-WHETU.
Yellow Brick Road
Yellow Brick Road provides peer support, education and advocacy for families of people with mental illnesses. It has a youth programme. Phone (03) 366 9284 for details.
Helplines
There are several helplines that can help rangatahi.
HealthInfo recommends the following videos
- Whāraurau – Drive series of videos
This series of videos is designed to help rangatahi (young people) and their whānau (families). They show how to navigate your way through child and adolescent mental health services. The videos show examples of different kinds of therapies and health professionals who work in these services. They also include information about medications that are sometimes used. Each video is around 5 minutes long.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed May 2023. Last updated January 2024.
SourcesReview key: HIHMI-138165
