Mental Health Services
About
Our Mental Health Services provide more options of support to people in our region who are in mental distress or those friends and whānau who are supporting someone else through their challenges.
We aim to support tāngata whaiora with warmth, empathy and evidence-based practice to empower positive change through awareness, understanding and action.
The Central Lakes Family Services Mental Health team work closely alongside the current Te Whatu Ora Southern’s specialist 24/7 teams and other mental health providers in the region.
This service grew out of a need for more support for our tāngata whaiora and those supporting people through mental health struggles. We are proud to offer the services of a multidisciplinary team full of warm, experienced and local professionals and support staff.
Support for Individuals
What we offer individuals in our service:
- Support for adults experiencing a mental health crisis or in distress as well as extra help for those already working with the Te Whatu Ora Community Mental Health Team
- We help to create an individualised wellbeing plan for both short and long-term needs
- We can review and update wellbeing plans that are already in place
- We offer counselling from our team of experienced, warm and friendly local counsellors
- Our team includes social workers, nurses, counsellors and community support workers who are ready to support, advocate and walk alongside individuals
- Assistance and advocacy to access appropriate services/agencies
- We can provide access to short term respite care when available
Support for Whānau
What we offer those supporting someone through a mental health challenge or crisis:
- Assist whānau, family, friends and support people to best support a loved one through a mental health crisis and assist them on to the path to recovery
- Co-design a whānau support plan which recognises their loved one’s needs and goals
- Connect whānau to other appropriate services/agencies as needed, for their own care and wellbeing
Support Groups
We are proud to offer a range of support groups to empower our communities and support wellbeing across the region.
These support groups vary in topic, frequency and style.
Check our Community page for more information on our current support groups.
Respite
Individuals experiencing mental distress are able to access short term respite through our service with 24/7 support from experienced staff in a safe environment.
This cannot be accessed without a referral.
Referrals
Adults aged 18+ who would like to access our mental health services can get a referral via Te Whatu Ora Southern’s specialist mental health and addictions service or through their GP.
These services are free of charge and available to anyone in the Whakatipu, Wānaka, Upper Clutha and Central Otago regions.
We do not accept self-referrals for this service.