We have a range of clinicians who can provide help with everything from everyday challenges to clinical depression. Depression is extremely common in Aotearoa, with 1 in 6 people experiencing it at some point in their lifetime. Symptoms range in severity, from feeling generally low to thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Seeking help for when life is feeling too much is not a sign of weakness. In fact it is a sign of strength. Think about it as exercising and training your mind - just like we exercise and train our bodies.
What type of mental health support is available?
We offer a range of mental health consultations with experienced mental health clinicians including our GPs, nurse practitioners (NPs), mental health nurses, clinical psychologists, health improvement practitioners (HIPs), addiction specialists and health coaches.
The options available depend on your needs and enrolment status.
FREE mental health support for everyone
Anyone over 16 in New Zealand can access free, professional help through our online mental health service. No enrolment needed. No cost. Get practical tools to help you straight away. Available to casual and enrolled patients nationwide.
Free online appointment with an experienced mental health clinician
30 minutes | Free for everyone 16+ | Video consultation
This free mental health assessment connects you with an experienced mental health clinician who can help you with:
- Loneliness & feeling stuck
- Workplace stress and burnout
- Mild anxiety and depression
- Family, breakups or relationship challenges
- Sleep difficulties
- Chronic pain and headaches
- Diet issues
- Grief and loss
- Alcohol or drug concerns
Our mental health professionals include mental health nurses, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, alcohol and drug counsellors, and health improvement practitioners.
Book through the Tend app from the home page. It’s completely confidential and free.
⚠️ This service is not suitable for emergencies, complex or long-term mental health needs, or situations where medication is required. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111, go to your nearest emergency department or call your local mental health crisis team.
Mental health services for enrolled patients only
If you're enrolled with Tend, you can access ongoing mental health and wellbeing support with a range of clinicians. Book appointments for video or in-person consultations through the Tend app or by talking with your care team. There are three types of care:
1. Wellness advice consultation with a Health Improvement Practitioner
30 minutes | Free for enrolled patients | Video or in-person
Get confidential, evidence-based mental health support with our Health Improvement Practitioners (HIPs) who work alongside your wider care team of GPs, NPs and nurses to provide wraparound support.
Talk through your mental and physical wellbeing, build coping strategies and get support for things like:
- Loneliness & feeling stuck
- Workplace stress and burnout
- Mild anxiety and depression
- Family, breakups or relationship challenges
- Sleep difficulties
- Grief and loss
- Alcohol or drug concerns
- Adjusting to illness or long-term conditions
- Parenting support
- Making lifestyle changes that stick
2. Healthy lifestyle consultation with a Health Coach
30 minutes | Free for enrolled patients | Video or in-person
Get dietary and lifestyle coaching to support exercise goals, lifestyle changes, stress management, and navigate long-term health conditions.
Our Health Coaches can also connect you to social services like food support, housing help and quit smoking programmes.
3. Mental health appointment with a GP/NP
30 minutes | Standard consultation fees apply | Video or in-person
Work with a GP or Nurse Practitioner to create a personalised mental health action plan tailored to your needs. Our doctors provide comprehensive mental health assessments to understand what you're experiencing and develop an effective treatment approach.
This appointment is ideal if you need:
- A mental health assessment for diagnosis
- Depression treatment or anxiety treatment with medication
- Prescription management for existing mental health conditions
- Referrals to specialist mental health services or counseling
- A comprehensive treatment plan combining therapy and medication
- Ongoing mental health support from your regular GP
Our GPs and Nurse Practitioners take a holistic approach to mental and emotional health, considering both your physical and mental wellbeing. They can help with anxiety, depression, stress-related conditions and other mental health concerns that may benefit from medical intervention.
How to access mental health support
Casual patients: Download the Tend app to book your free online mental health session - no enrolment required.
Enrolled patients: Book ongoing mental health services through the Tend app or contact your care team to discuss the best support options for your needs.
Mental health services NZ residents can trust - whether you need immediate free counselling or comprehensive depression treatment and anxiety treatment as part of your ongoing care.
Frequently asked questions
Our team of mental health professionals include mental health nurses, clinical psychologist, occupational therapist, alcohol and drug counsellors and health improvement practitioners.
At Tend, our HIPs are part of the care team and their services are free for all patients. They work closely with doctors, nurses and health coaches to support your overall well-being.
Sessions with a HIP are 30 minutes and focused on practical strategies you can apply immediately. Whether you need support for mental health challenges or help making positive lifestyle changes, our HIPs provide a welcoming, stigma-free space to help you take control of your health.
At Tend, our Health Coaches work alongside doctors, nurses, and Health Improvement Practitioners (HIPs) to provide personalised guidance and motivation. Their services are free for enrolled patients.
They focus on empowering you with practical strategies to build healthy habits, manage stress, and take charge of your health. Whether you need help with meal planning, physical activity, or managing a long-term condition, our Health Coaches are here to support and encourage you every step of the way.
