Taranaki Crisis Support
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Immediate help in Taranaki
If someone may harm themselves or someone else, call 111, go to the nearest emergency department, or contact the local mental health crisis assessment team. Health New Zealand lists these as urgent mental health support options for Taranaki. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Taranaki crisis team
The Taranaki Mental Health Assessment & Brief Care team provides 24/7 on-site and mobile mental health assessment for people experiencing distressing or debilitating mental health concerns. Healthpoint lists the contact as 0508 292 467, Press 1. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Find local support by area
Taranaki can stay as one regional page for now, with local towns and districts grouped inside this page so visitors do not need to move through too many separate pages.
New Plymouth
For New Plymouth, Westown, Bell Block, Waitara and nearby communities.
- Emergency: 111
- Taranaki crisis support: 0508 292 467, press 1
- 1737 for free call or text support
South Taranaki
For Hāwera, Pātea, Eltham, Manaia, Ōpunake and surrounding communities.
- Emergency: 111
- Taranaki crisis support: 0508 292 467, press 1
- Nearest emergency department or urgent health pathway if safety is a concern
Stratford
For Stratford and central Taranaki communities.
- Emergency: 111
- Taranaki crisis support: 0508 292 467, press 1
- 1737 if speaking or texting feels easier
Waitara / North Taranaki
For Waitara, Inglewood, Urenui, Mōkau and nearby rural areas.
- Emergency: 111
- Taranaki crisis support: 0508 292 467, press 1
- Use local health or hospital pathways if urgent
Lower-pressure support options
Some people need quieter options before they can make a phone call. Lower-pressure support can include texting 1737, asking someone to sit nearby, writing down what is happening, or using a support person to help explain the situation.
Call or text 1737
Useful when someone needs to talk or text with a trained support person.
Ask someone to stay nearby
A trusted person can reduce pressure, help with transport, or support the call.
Write down key details
Helpful notes include location, immediate risks, medication, support people, and what feels hard right now.
Support for different needs
Some people need crisis support that is identity-safe, neurodivergent-friendly, culturally safe, youth-friendly, disability-accessible, or whānau-aware.
Youth & teens
Use simple language, reduce pressure, offer choices, and involve safe adults where appropriate.
Parents, carers & whānau
Supporters may need guidance too when someone they care about is unsafe or overwhelmed.
Neurodivergent people
Lower stimulation, clear choices, written options, and extra processing time can make support safer.
LGBTQIA+ support
Identity-safe support matters when crisis is linked to safety, belonging, gender, sexuality, or rejection.
Cultural & community support
People may need culturally safe pathways, whānau-centred support, or trusted community connections.
Rural access support
Transport, distance, phone access, and local service availability may affect how someone gets help.
What to do next
When someone is distressed, the next step does not need to be perfect. Start with safety, reduce immediate risks, stay connected, and contact the most appropriate support.
1. Check immediate safety
If there is danger now, call 111 or go to the nearest emergency department.
2. Contact crisis support
Use the Taranaki crisis number, 1737, or emergency services depending on urgency.
3. Plan follow-up
After the immediate crisis, consider GP follow-up, community support, peer support, or practical support.