GP mental health appointments
What to expect when discussing mood, sleep, stress, anxiety, grief or wellbeing with a GP.
Ask about a longer appointment, follow-up and what to do if symptoms change.
Explore trusted NZ guidance ↗
Aotearoa New Zealand • Primary healthcare
Find a starting point for mental health and wellbeing support through general practice, community healthcare and primary care teams. Explore referrals, appointments, culturally responsive care, practical access and urgent-help options.
You can ask for support even when you are unsure how to describe what is happening. A GP or practice nurse can help explore concerns and discuss next steps. Service availability, eligibility, fees and referral processes vary; confirm details with the provider. This page offers general information, not a diagnosis or medical consultation.
Primary care often provides an accessible first conversation about emotional and physical wellbeing. Depending on needs and local services, care may involve a GP, practice nurse, health improvement practitioner, health coach, counsellor or a referral to specialist mental health services. Participating general practices may provide integrated wellbeing support without a formal referral; ask whether your practice offers it.
Filter the guidance below by need, support type or audience. This searches the information cards on this page.
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What to expect when discussing mood, sleep, stress, anxiety, grief or wellbeing with a GP.
Ask about a longer appointment, follow-up and what to do if symptoms change.
Explore trusted NZ guidance ↗Ask whether your enrolled practice has a health improvement practitioner, health coach or support worker.
Availability varies by practice; some participating services can be accessed without a formal referral.
Explore trusted NZ guidance ↗Explore kaupapa Māori, Pacific and community primary healthcare options.
Ask about eligibility, enrolment, interpreters, whānau participation and culturally safe care.
Explore trusted NZ guidance ↗Understand when a GP may refer someone for counselling, psychology, psychiatry or community mental health assessment.
Ask how referrals are triaged, possible waits, and whether alternatives or follow-up are available.
Explore trusted NZ guidance ↗Find age-appropriate first-contact care, with consideration for privacy, assent, consent and family/whānau involvement.
Discuss school support, child or youth services and what information can be shared.
Explore trusted NZ guidance ↗Explore continuing care, medication review, physical wellbeing, chronic illness and older-adult needs.
Ask about accessibility, medication interactions, cognition and carer participation where appropriate.
Explore trusted NZ guidance ↗Check enrolment, consultation fees, funded support, prescriptions and eligibility before booking.
Ask for estimated costs, free or lower-cost options and how to raise concerns about care.
Explore trusted NZ guidance ↗Ask for an interpreter, sensory accommodations, communication preferences, accessible facilities or remote appointments.
Check whether appointments can be longer, by phone or video, and whether an advocate may attend.
Explore trusted NZ guidance ↗Routine GP appointments are not emergency mental health services.
Immediate danger: call 111. For a mental health emergency, contact your local crisis team; for brief emotional support call or text 1737.
Explore trusted NZ guidance ↗“What support is available through this practice?” “What are the expected fees and wait times?” “Could an interpreter or family member attend?” “Who do I contact if my wellbeing changes before my next appointment?”
Support may be relevant to anxiety, low mood, trauma, grief, addiction, ongoing conditions, sleep challenges, stress or changes in daily functioning. Care pathways also differ for children, adults, older people, Māori and Pacific whānau, disabled people, neurodivergent people and people living remotely.
Immediate danger: call 111. For a mental health emergency, contact your local mental health crisis team or hospital emergency department. For free brief emotional support, call or text 1737 at any time. These services are different from routine GP appointments.
Aspie Answers Crisis Support Index ↗ · 1737 official service ↗
Yes. You can describe symptoms and how they affect you. A GP can discuss options for support and any assessment that may be useful.
At participating enrolled general practices, some integrated wellbeing support is available without a formal referral. Check directly with your practice because availability differs.
No. Neurodevelopmental assessment routes vary. Ask about appropriate specialist assessment providers, qualifications, referral needs and costs.
Ask about telehealth, interpreters, longer visits, quieter appointment times, accessible premises and referral options in your region.
Not necessarily. GP fees vary; some specific wellbeing supports may be funded. Confirm costs and eligibility before booking.
