HealthInfo Aoraki South Canterbury
Brief intervention talking therapies
Ratonga Whakamāherehere Takawaenga Poto
Brief intervention talking therapists (MHBIS therapists) are registered mental health professionals. They are from a variety of backgrounds and have had specific training in talking therapy.
Talking therapy can help you with low mood, anxiety, alcohol or substance abuse. It can also help with other mental health issues.
There is no charge for this service, but you must first get a referral from a general practice team. If you meet the criteria, you can receive up to five funded therapy sessions with a MHBIS therapist in your area.
The MHBIS therapist can give you therapy, advice and assessment. They can also refer you to other agencies once their sessions have finished. They will see you at your general practice, Talbot Park Community Hub or a suitable community venue.
You may have to wait a few weeks before a MHBIS therapists can see you. If you need more urgent help, you can call 0800‑277‑997.
To see if you qualify for the funded sessions, your general practice team may ask you to fill in a short questionnaire. They will then use this to work out a score.
Your score might be lower than the level needed for a referral to a MHBIS therapist. If so, your general practice team will recommend other options for counselling. They will also suggest community agencies that may be able to offer support.
MHBIS therapists are available throughout South Canterbury, including Twizel, Fairlie, Geraldine, Temuka and Waimate.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Your Health in Mind – Psychological treatments
Information about talking therapy and the types of situations where talking therapy might help.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2023.
SourcesReview key: HIHMI-138165
