Resources & Links

A range of free and confidential mental health services are available across Aotearoa to support anyone needing emotional, psychological, or crisis support. These include 24/7 helplines, youth-specific support, crisis support through, and a variety of other community services offering guidance, peer support, and specialist referrals. Public community mental health services are also available through regional health providers, often accessed via referral from a GP, alongside free support from charities and NGOs focused on wellbeing, peer connection, and mental health education.

24/7 Crisis & Immediate Support

1737 Need to Talk? – Call or text anytime to speak with a trained counsellor.
Lifeline – 24/7 crisis, suicide prevention, and emotional support (phone, text, chat).
Suicide Crisis Helpline – Specialist support during times of acute distress or suicidal thoughts.
Local Mental Health Crisis Assessment Teams – Region-specific crisis assessment and urgent mental health support.

Youth & Child Mental Health Support

Youthline – Counselling and peer support for young people, parents, and whānau.
Kidsline – 24/7 support for children and young people.
What’s Up – Free phone and online counselling for young people.
The Lowdown – Youth-focused support for anxiety, depression, and wellbeing.

General Emotional & Mental Health Support

Depression Helpline – Support for depression, anxiety, and low mood.
PeerTalk – Talk with someone who has lived experience of mental health challenges.
Healthline – 24/7 nurse advice for health and mental health concerns.
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand – Resources, tools, and information about mental wellbeing.

Family, Whānau & Community Support

Yellow Brick Road – Support and guidance for families supporting someone with mental health challenges.
Citizens Advice Bureau – Free advice for life stressors impacting wellbeing.

Grief, Trauma & Violence-Related Support

Skylight – Support for grief, loss, trauma, and major life changes.
Victim Support – Emotional and practical support for people affected by crime or trauma.
Shakti – Support for migrant and refugee women experiencing violence.

Addiction & Behaviour-Related Support

Alcohol Drug Helpline – Free support for concerns about alcohol or drug use.
Problem Gambling Foundation – Free counselling and support for gambling harm.
CareNZ Manaaki Aotearoa – Support for people and families affected by addiction.

Online Safety Support

Netsafe – Support for cyberbullying, online harm, and digital safety.