Primary Mental Health

Nelson Bays Primary Health operates a project called the Primary Mental Health Initiative. This is a pilot project which offers extra time with your GP when you need to discuss a mild-to-moderate mental health problem. Your GP can advise you of the need to do so and their availability. This is called an "extended consultation". You may have one extended consultation under this initiative. There will be no charge for this extended consultation.

If you have an extended consultation with your GP under the Primary Mental Health Initiative, your GP may offer to refer you to a counselor or psychologist. If so, there is a limited amount of money available to pay for these types of services. Your GP controls access to this initiative and can advise you accordingly.

In addition to referral to such services by your GP, your Māori organization can also access this initiative. Māori organizations can refer people to the Primary Mental Health Initiative to access the same types of services such as counseling and psychology.

If you want to find out more about the Primary Mental Health Initiative, ask your GP or Māori organization, or contact Martin Kane on 03-5391170, Martin.Kane@nelsonpho.org.nz