Explore Māori-led care
Ask about kaupapa Māori services, whānau participation, cultural safety, tikanga and approaches to wellbeing. Services vary by location.
Explore related support →
Find ways to ask for respectful, accessible and culturally responsive mental health services, whether you need in-person care, communication support or a remote appointment.
Search these information cards by keyword, support type and audience. This finder navigates this page’s guidance; it does not search practitioner appointments.
Showing 13 pathways.
Ask about kaupapa Māori services, whānau participation, cultural safety, tikanga and approaches to wellbeing. Services vary by location.
Explore related support →Ask about Pacific-led clinicians, language preferences, cultural approaches and family involvement.
Explore related support →Explore providers experienced with your language, identity, migration history and cultural needs; do not assume one approach fits all.
Explore related support →Ask about interpreters, confidentiality, referral routes, trauma-informed care and practical settlement wellbeing support.
Explore related support →Request clear written information, sensory adjustments, extra processing time and communication that suits you.
Explore related support →Discuss plain-language explanations, fatigue, pain, cognitive or learning needs, wheelchair access and appointment flexibility.
Explore related support →Ask about confidentiality, respectful language, experience with gender and sexuality diversity, and safe ways to involve support people.
Explore related support →Ask early about a professional interpreter, NZSL, augmentative and alternative communication, captions or written alternatives.
Explore related support →Check privacy, a quiet space, technology requirements, clinician location, fees, and whether face-to-face assessment is required.
Explore related support →Explore regional outreach, travel, local clinics, telehealth and transport arrangements; availability differs across regions.
Explore related support →Ask about consent, confidentiality, school-related needs, developmental suitability and whānau involvement.
Explore related support →Explore older-person care, physical and mental health together, carers, disability access and support for ongoing needs.
Explore related support →For immediate danger call 111; for urgent mental health needs contact a local crisis team or emergency department.
Explore related support →Ask whether a provider has experience relevant to your needs, whether a referral is needed, what the appointment will cost, and whether support can be provided in your preferred language or communication format.
Consider requesting a quiet waiting area, step-free access, written questions, breaks, captions, extra time, an interpreter or a support person. Ask what arrangements can actually be provided.
Ask how information is stored, whether interpreters are bound by confidentiality, when information might be shared, and whether whānau or carers can be involved with your agreement.
Ask for options for referral, a second opinion, another clinician, a different communication method or a culturally appropriate alternative.
Care options may include GP-based wellbeing support, community services, counselling, psychologists, psychiatrists and peer-led organisations. The right route depends on the support needed, professional expertise, eligibility and local availability.
Is the provider suitably qualified? Do they offer the care or assessment you need? Is it free, subsidised or private? Are a GP referral, enrolment or eligibility criteria required?
Does the service offer telephone or video sessions, outreach or accessible physical premises? Is an interpreter available? Can you book outside work or school hours? Does the provider cover your region?
Start with Healthpoint – Find Mental Health Services, Health New Zealand – Wellbeing Support or Health and Disability Commissioner – Rights.
Yes, you can ask what interpreting and communication services are available and whether there are costs or booking requirements. Confirm arrangements before your appointment.
Ask about bringing someone you trust, consent and confidentiality. The appropriate arrangements may depend on your age and circumstances.
No. Some appointments, physical examinations or specialist assessments may need to be completed in person. Your clinician can explain the options.
Tell the provider what helps you communicate and participate. You can request written explanations, breaks, sensory adjustments, accessible forms or other reasonable adjustments.
Ask your GP or local service about public and community options, funded primary mental health services, and other eligible support. Costs and availability vary.
