South Canterbury DHB funds and provides public health services to enhance the health and independence of the people of South Canterbury.
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Services Offered
Mental Health and Addiction
* Talking therapies * Appointments with Psychiatrists or Psychologists * Older Persons Mental Health and Addictions * Youth Alcohol and Drug * Maori Mental Health
Sexual Assault and Abuse - A sexual assault/abuse service is provided by South Canterbury DHB under the Sexual Abuse Assessment and Treatment Services (SAATS) contract with ACC and the NZ Police. Clinicians are accredited by Doctors for Sexual Abuse Care (DSAC). The service provides an acute and historical assessment service, forensic and non-forensic, covering adult, adolescent and children and works in partnership with Paediatricians and other specialities as required.
Stop Smoking Service - The Stop Smoking Service provides behavioural support throughout your quitting journey. Support can be Face to Face, by Text, by Phone or by Email. We are able to advise on different methods of subsidised and unsubsidised medications. We also offer: * Group Based support in Timaru or as otherwise requested e.g workplaces * The Pregnant Mama-Stop Smoking Incentive Programme, which aims to support pregnant women to become and stay smoke-free
Social Work Services
* Pregnancy Counselling/Information/Support * Counselling and Emotional Support/Grief and Loss * Family/Relationship Concerns/Carer Stress * Crisis/Trauma * Family Violence Issues/Child Protection
Fees and Payment
There is no cost for mental health and addiction services.
New Zealand has a world leading health system which makes most services available free (or subsidised) to people who meet the eligibility criteria.
Some people in New Zealand don't qualify to have these services paid for by the New Zealand Government and are required to pay for their healthcare.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Payment: Pro-bono
If You Call, Please Let Us Know How it Went:
Were You Able to Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.