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, including, stress, anxiety, depression and concerns about alcohol and other drugs.
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.
Accessing BIS
Your GP will refer you to one of our brief intervention service clinicians.
Please note 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 you will be contacted by one of the clinical team within 2 weeks. This may be a letter informing you that your referral has been received. The clinician will contact and discuss the referral with you, and identify supports that you may require. Priority for service is given to those people who are Māori / Pacific or refugee or have community service or high user health card.
The clinician who makes contact with you can discuss the most appropriate follow up options for you which could include:
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Self-help options including; e therapy, books on prescription
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Telephone support
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Referral to a more appropriate agency/service
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Advice around alternative follow up options, which could include private counselling or Employee assistance programs
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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 along with some tips to help you look after yourself. Our While you wait resource has further ideas.
You can also read more about support prior to an appointment by following this link.