Articles tagged with Primary Mental Health

New Zealand Sees Faster Access and Shorter ED Stays in Mental Health Services Q1 2025

22 hours ago | 33 views

New data for Q1 2025/26 shows significant improvements in New Zealand’s mental health and addiction access targets, with faster access to primary and specialist services and shorter emergency department stays compared to Q1 2024/25. Progress is evident nationally and across Māori, Pacific, and Asian communities, though shorter ED stays remain the biggest challenge, with efforts focused on supporting under-performing health districts. Minister Matt Doocey emphasizes the goal of equitable access to mental health support nationwide, crediting frontline workers for these advancements.

Tags: Matt Doocey New Zealand mental health addiction support emergency departments primary mental health specialist services Māori Pacific peoples Asian communities

New Mental Health Accreditation Pathway Opens Doors for 330 Counsellors in NZ Public Services

4 months ago | 1025 views

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announces the removal of a workforce barrier for over 330 experienced counsellors in publicly funded mental health services through a revised accreditation process with Health New Zealand and NZAC. The strengthened accreditation pathway aims to address workforce shortages and increase timely mental health support for New Zealanders. The initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce vacancies, utilize underutilized workforces, and improve access to mental health services.

Tags: Matt Doocey Health New Zealand New Zealand Association of Counsellors workforce barriers mental health support workforce shortages Health NZ counselling primary mental health workforce peer support specialists