Anxiety New Zealand Trust
Description
Our vision is to educate, support and treat severe anxiety, phobic and obsessive-compulsive disorders. In doing so, the Anxiety New Zealand Trust works with all ethnic, socio-economic groups and across all ages.
The Anxiety New Zealand Trust (Anxiety NZ) is a registered charitable trust and an NGO (Non-Government Organisation). The Anxiety New Zealand Trust was established 5 February 1983, and incorporated in 1987- under the Charities Act. Charities Commission No: CC20141.
By achieving the above vision, the Anxiety New Zealand Trust has worked towards demystifying the severe anxiety, phobic and obsessive-compulsive disorders with depression and their co-morbid states.
Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric illnesses affecting both children and adults. Most people experience feelings of anxiety before an important event such as an exam, a job interview or a first date. Anxiety disorders can fill people's lives with overwhelming anxiety and fear, that is chronic and unrelenting, and that can grow progressively worse. Those experiencing this may be very disabled by panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, flashbacks of traumatic events, nightmares or frightening physical symptoms; in extreme cases, people may become housebound with agoraphobia.
How common are anxiety disorders? Anxiety disorders, as a group, are the most common mental illnesses in the world. Children and adolescents can also develop anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders may develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events. Anxiety disorders may be chronic and can become quite disabling. Fortunately, they are among the most successfully treated emotional disorders in medical practice. Read more about different types of anxiety disorders here.
The Trust provides services as per the Mission Statement:
- 24 hour National Anxiety Helpline 0800 ANXIETY (0800 2694 38)
- Peer Support Groups on Monday, Thurs eve and Saturdays (funded)
- In-person St Lukes based service with online therapy options (including national referrals)
- Multi-disciplinary treatment team (see below).
- Intern programme for psychologists in partnership with Universities.
- Community Education and Workshops
- Monthly newsletter
- Social Media: Supportive messaging and links to resources on Facebook and Instagram
- CHOICE Social and Emotional Resilience Programmes for kids and youth
Anxiety NZ also offers psychological services in Mandarin. Click here for more information.
What is the Difference Between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor who specialises in identifying the symptoms of and diagnosing and treating mental health issues. They are also able to prescribe medication if needed. You may have been referred to a psychiatrist if your doctor feels you need specialist help. The Anxiety New Zealand Trust has a GP with a MOSS Psychiatric speciality, Dr Henry Plant.
A psychologist is not a doctor but has completed degrees in the scientific study of the mind and its activities and all of our psychologists are registered with the New Zealand Psychological Board. They are able to assess and test for mental health issues but do not prescribe medication. Psychologists offer therapy using a range of approaches depending on the client's individual needs. Anxiety New Zealand Trust psychologists offer Cognitive-Behavioural Therapies, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Family/Systems Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and a range of other therapies which are used in accordance with the needs and age of the client. Therapeutic workshops and support groups for clients are offered as well as support groups for family and whanau.
How Much Does it Cost and Can I Get Funding?
If you are a low-income earner, or a caregiver of a child who would benefit from treatment, then you may get funding to see a psychologist. Our team will help by giving advice, providing and signing the forms. You will need to upload or take these to Studylink or Work and Income. Please see below for income thresholds for adults. There are no income thresholds for the caregivers of children needing therapy.
Health Insurance may apply - please check with your insurer. Please note, if you have Southern Cross Insurance you will need to see one of our Clinical Psychologists to be covered.
International Students may be covered under their travel insurance.
Staff
The Team at the Anxiety New Zealand Trust
Click on the link to read more about us
Anxiety NZ - Support, treatment & education for anxiety and mental health in NZ
Programme
Charges
The Anxiety New Zealand Trust's 24-hour, National Anxiety Support Line 0800 ANXIETY (0800 2694 389) is provided free of charge. Peer Support Groups are provided free of charge.
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Needs Assessment
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FEE
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* Low-income earners (including students, part-time workers, retired) may access up to 30 funded appointments through Studylink or WINZ with a Disability Allowance and a Special Needs Grant. Contact Anxiety NZ for help.
*Children may access funding per week towards treatment (this is not income-tested). Both the Child Disability Allowance, AND the Disability Allowance may apply. Contact Anxiety NZ for help.
First appointment: Needs assessment/education of families/whanau:
After 4.30 pm or weekends
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$185.00
$185.00
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Psychiatrist / Specialist GP
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FEE
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Initial Psychiatric Assessment
Follow-up/Medication check-up
Prescription Repeat (if not given at time of appt)
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$250.00
$185.00
$ 29.00
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Psychologist or Mental Health Clinician
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FEE
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All treatment programme appointments
Therapeutic Workshop
Ongoing Peer Support Groups (Auckland)
24/7 National 0800 Anxiety Helpline (0800 269 4389)
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$185.00
$ 95.00
FREE
FREE
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Late cancellation Fee and ‘No-Show’ Appointments (please give 48 hours notice to cancel or change so we can offer the space to other people in urgent need of support)
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$92.50 - $185
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