Seeking Help
So.......Here you are. You have decided that you would like to seek help with an emotional, relational or mental health problem.
There are a number of support groups available in Canterbury. Our Mental Health Directory is a good place to start.
Questions you may have
This section attempts to answer these and other questions in understandable language and with your best interests at heart.
It would be best before committing to a particular course of action to have an assessment done by a professional in the field. A diagnosis (depression, eating disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety state and so on) will help clarify the problem and direct you to the best person or organisation.
MHERC does not make referrals to the following services - that is the task of the person who works with you in your assessment.
Generally the best person to see first is your own doctor. Most GPs are skilled in understanding the nature of a personal problem, even if not specially trained in this area. It may be useful to you and the doctor to ask for a longer appointment to allow sufficient time for a good assessment. If your doctor does not seem interested, ask around your friends and consider making a change. Some GPs take a special interest in these disorders; a few are trained in counselling and psychotherapy and they also have good knowledge on how and when to use medication. Thus you can, for a quite reasonable fee, get a thorough assessment and referral if necessary to an appropriate person or agency.
When your doctor suggests a referral it is best at that time to ask a few questions.
How can I figure out what these qualifications mean in terms of getting help?
The following is a brief run down on what each of a number of specialised types of health professionals do. Some types of therapists may not be included in this summary and you may need to speak directly with them to get answers.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have after 7 years basic medical training, undergone 5-7 years, of specialised training in the fields of mental ill health. Some are generalists and some more specialised in adult, adolescent, child or geriatric care. They take a medical approach to illness with some emphasis upon biological approaches. They use to a greater or lesser extent a mix of talking therapy and medication.
Generally psychiatrists treat the more serious illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders in adults and behavioural disorders and ADHD in children and adolescents.
Psychiatrists are all members of the Australia and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and are bound by the ethics of that body.
They have a right to prescribe medication.
Psychologist
Psychologists have university degrees in psychology. Those who practice talking therapies are also clinically trained and will have a postgraduate diploma in clinical psychology. Psychologists are members of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists and work within ethical rules.
The New Zealand Psychological Society also has a very informative website.
Some psychologists use behavioural techniques such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, others more oriented to feelings use psychotherapy or counselling.
Psychotherapists
Psychotherapists receive their training from various training schools and are usually members of the New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists, which has ethical standards.
Their practice is mostly in terms of inner feelings, past experiences and relationships; examples are psychodynamic psychotherapy, Jungian therapy, Gestalt, and Transactional therapy.
Counsellors
Counsellors are also trained by various institutions. There is considerable variation in the types of treatments with concentration on relational and factual problems. The NZ Association of Counsellors is the parent body and sets ethical standards.
All of the above groups have arrangements whereby their Patients/clients have recourse to a complaints system.
Social Workers
Social Workers may specialise in individual counselling, couple counselling, family therapy or group therapy.
Social Workers should have a qualification in Social Work - Diploma or Bachelor of Social Work (BSW; MSW or Dip. SW) and also have membership of Aotearoa Association of Social Workers Inc (ANZASW).
Social Workers who are members of ANZASW are bound by the ethics and standards of the profession. In order to be a full member, a social worker must have an assessment of his/her competency and practice in the areas of work where they have ongoing training and supervision.
Ask about the training and experience of the social worker in counselling; therapy and mental health; and whether they are a full member of ANZASW and a registered social worker.
Family Therapists
Family Therapists work with families in the recognition that children and adolescents live with and learn from their families, and that many of their problems are influenced by those closest to them. Family therapists also work within ethical guidelines. For more information try the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy website.
What's next?
The first appointment
This should be regarded by both parties as a trial- to see if you 'fit'. If it is not comfortable it is best to be open about that to the therapist and it may be worked out. If not, there should be no hesitation in seeking another, more compatible person.
Financial aspects
Fees vary greatly and should be enquired into.
Subsidies may be available through ACC, Work and Income, or General Practitioners.
Overall, when you seek help for any illness do not hesitate to ask any questions on your mind so that you can make an informed decision.
Back to top