Mental Health Assessments & Diagnosis — NZ
Explore what an assessment can involve, where to start, how professionals may help, and what support can follow. Choose a pathway that fits your circumstances, culture, age and location.
Explore assessment pathways
Search these guidance cards by keyword, type or audience. The search filters the information on this page, not individual appointments or provider listings.
Showing all 12 pathways.
GP & first steps
Speak with a GP or healthcare professional about concerns, what has changed, and whether clinical assessment or referral is suitable.
Explore related guidance ↗Psychologists
Assessment may involve interviews, questionnaires, history and other clinically appropriate methods. Ask about professional scope and a clear written explanation.
Explore related guidance ↗Psychiatrists
A psychiatrist can evaluate medical and mental health factors, diagnose where appropriate and discuss treatment options.
Explore related guidance ↗Mental health topics
Anxiety, depression, trauma, eating concerns, psychosis and other experiences may need different clinical approaches. Describe the whole picture rather than choosing a diagnosis yourself.
Explore related guidance ↗Distinct assessment routes
Autism, ADHD, learning disabilities and cognitive assessments have different purposes and practitioner scopes; some people need more than one pathway.
Explore related guidance ↗Children and young people
Discuss development, school context, the young person’s views, privacy and caregiver involvement. Ask about age-related eligibility.
Explore related guidance ↗Across life stages
Adults may seek assessment for new or longstanding concerns. For older people, clinicians may also check physical health, medicine effects or cognitive changes.
Explore related guidance ↗Public and private access
Ask whether referral is required, expected waiting time, fees, cancellation terms, eligibility and any available funded options.
Explore related guidance ↗A welcoming assessment
You can ask about interpreters, cultural support, accessibility, sensory adjustments, plain-language explanations and support persons.
Explore related guidance ↗Where to be assessed
Check region coverage, rural access, telehealth suitability, transport, and whether any face-to-face examination is necessary.
Explore related guidance ↗Results and next steps
Ask what the results mean, whether a report is provided, your options for follow-up, supports, another opinion, and how information will be shared.
Explore related guidance ↗Crisis and safety
If there is immediate danger call 111; for urgent mental health assessment contact local crisis services or an emergency department.
Explore related guidance ↗What might happen during an assessment?
Before your appointment
Write down what you are noticing, when it began, what helps, medicines or health issues, and questions you want to ask. You can ask whether bringing a whānau member, advocate or support person is appropriate.
During the appointment
A clinician may ask about feelings, sleep, functioning, physical health, medications, experiences and safety. Not every assessment includes the same tools, and sometimes further appointments are needed.
Afterwards
Ask for an explanation of findings, follow-up choices, possible referrals, a copy of any report, and who receives the results. Seek clarification if anything feels confusing.
Different purposes
Routine voluntary assessment, neurodevelopmental assessments, cognitive testing and compulsory assessment under mental health law are different processes. The last has specific legal safeguards and rights.
For rights information, see the Health and Disability Commissioner and the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Act guidance. The 2026 Act is not scheduled to commence until July 2028.
Support that fits your circumstances
Assessment providers may specialise by age, topic or profession. Ask about neurodivergent-affirming approaches, Māori or Pasifika-led care, gender-affirming support, translation, NZSL, quiet rooms, written communication and rural or telehealth access. Availability varies by provider.
Choosing a service and preparing
Practical details
Who will assess me? Are they qualified for this type of assessment? Do I need a referral? What does it cost? What is funded? How long might I wait? Can we arrange follow-up?
Consent and comfort
Can I request an interpreter or support person? Will my information stay confidential, and when might it be shared? Can I receive questions or results in writing? What happens if I disagree?
Frequently asked questions
Does an assessment always mean a diagnosis?
No. A clinician may identify needs without making a diagnosis, suggest more assessment, or discuss support options.
Can I ask for a second opinion?
You can ask about second opinions and review routes; access, cost and legal entitlements depend on the circumstances.
What if I need an autism or ADHD assessment?
Ask for a provider with the relevant professional scope and experience; these are not identical to a general mental health assessment.
Can a young person attend with whānau?
Often there are ways for families to be involved, but consent, confidentiality and age-related arrangements matter. Ask the provider.
Is telehealth always suitable?
Not necessarily. Some evaluations may require face-to-face appointments, medical examination or additional information.