A family member's mental health has suddenly got much worse. Who do I contact in an emergency?
If they are in immediate danger, call 111 or go to the emergency department at your nearest hospital. You can also call your local mental health crisis assessment team. Examples are Auckland (Central) 0800 800 717, Waikato 0800 505 050, Wellington, Hutt and Kāpiti 0800 745 477, and Canterbury 0800 920 092. For other areas, check the Health NZ website. Stay with them until support arrives.
Official figures
- Emergencies
- If you or someone else is in immediate danger: call 111, go to the emergency department (ED) at your nearest hospital, or contact your local mental health crisis assessment team1
- 1737
- Free call or text 1737 (or call 0800 1737 1737), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact them if you feel anxious, low or overwhelmed, or if you just want to talk to someone1
- Who answers 1737
- Trained counsellors and peer support workers. It is free and confidential5
- Healthline
- 0800 611 116. You can get advice from a registered nurse4
- Lifeline
- Free call 0800 543 354 or free text 4357 (HELP)4
Official sources
- Where to get help for mental healthHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora · healthnz.govt.nz
- Wellbeing supportHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora · healthnz.govt.nz
- Mental health crisis assessment teamsHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora · healthnz.govt.nz
- Where to get supportTe Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission · mhwc.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Getting help for your mental health →
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Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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