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Primary Mental Health

Taranaki Primary Connections (TPC)

TPC is a primary mental health service supported by the three Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) in Taranaki, with Peak Health Taranaki being the lead PHO for this project. This service focuses on people's mental health and wellbeing.

It's about meeting the needs of people with "mild to meoderate" mental health issues. These can include feeling down, anxious, stress, relationship difficulties, work related stress, grief and more ...

The purpose of the service is:

• To get the client help when they need it
• To help the client understand how their issues affect their own wellbeing, how if affects ytheir whanau/family wellbeing, and their social and work environment.
• To help the client find solutions to be able to cope better.

Who is eligible for this service?

• 18 years and over
• Unable to afford counselling therapy
• Mild to moderate mental health diagnosis
• GP referred

What do they need to know

• The client needs to be 18 years or over. Their GP is the first point of contact to help them.
• The client and their GP will decide whether they need to be referred directly to a qualified counselor, psychologist or therapist.
• If the client requires extra support, their GP will refer the client to a registered health professional at TPC to be assessed and to coordinate support.
• Primary Mental health support service is available for Dioxin people registered with the Ministry of Health.
• There are a limited number of vouchers and it’s at the GPs discretion as to whom they offer these vouchers to.

What is the clients responsibility?
If the client is unable to attend therapy, they are required to give at least 24 hours notice of cancellation.

If they fail to contact the therapist or miss a counselling session, they will lose one of their free therapy sessions.

If they change their mind and decide they don't need the service, they will need to let TPC know. Their GP will be notified of this decision.

If the client decides to take up this service at a later date, they will need to see their GP to be referred.

What is the cost of the service?
There is a charge to visit the GP. If the client has a mild to moderate mental health issue, their GP may refer them to a service provider to get help.

If they are referred to a TPC service coordinator to be assessed, this service is free of charge.

If they need to see a counselor, psychologist or therapist there is a restriction on how many sessions they may be eligible for, under this free service.

For further information please contact either: