Brief Intervention Services

Our Mental Health Brief Intervention Services (BIS) provides short-term intervention to clients over the age of 20 with mild to moderate mental health issues.

Clients receive up to five sessions with a counsellor and the service is free.

Our BIS clinicians are registered health professionals, with the skills and experience to assist clients in need of short-term mental well-being support including for stress, anxiety, depression and concerns about alcohol and other drugs..

Accessing BIS

GPs refer patients to one of our brief intervention service clinicians.

Please note, as a patient you may be required to undergo a brief assessment by phone or at an initial appointment to determine that our service is right for you.

Telehealth options – via phone or video – are also available in most cases.

What happens after I am referred?

 Once the referral has been received a patient will be contacted by one of the clinical team within 2 weeks.  This may be a letter informing that a referral has been received.  The clinician will contact and discuss the referral with a patient and identify supports that you may require.  Priority for service is given to those people who are Māori / Pacific or are a former refugee or have community service or high user health card.

The clinician who makes contact can discuss the most appropriate follow up options, which could include:

  • Self-help options including; e therapy, books on prescription

  • Telephone support

  • Referral to a more appropriate agency/service

  • Advice around alternative follow up options, which could include private counselling or Employee assistance programs

  • Face to Face appointments - Waiting times to be seen by a clinician can vary from 1-2 months

Is there any support before I get to speak to a clinician?  

There are a wide range of online and telephone support services.

These are listed on our Look after yourself (resource below) along with some tips to help you look after yourself including: 

  • Get enough sleep.

  • Eat healthy meals and snacks.

  • Set reasonable limits on the time spent watching TV, using social media or playing electronic games. 

Our While you wait (resource below) has further ideas.

 

Resources