Community Mental Health Teams
Services provided
There are four community adult mental health & addiction teams located in Kapiti, Porirua and Wellington (two teams). The services provide assessment and treatment for adults from 18 years old to 65 years.
The teams offer "Choice appointments". These are an initial appointment with a mental health clinician to work with a person to determine what is the current issue and what is the most appropriate support. We then develop a plan to with the person to assist them manage their mental health and addiction issues. The plan can include -
- Medication prescribing and monitoring
- Group work - e.g. anxiety management, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Bipolar Education Group, Leap into Work
- Relaxation
- Individual therapy - e.g. CBT, Schema therapy, mindfulness work
- Recovery focused work with care managers
- Relapse prevention planning
- Support, care and treatment during acute episodes of unwellness
As well as longer-term treatment with people, the community teams also provide support and advice to general practitioners in their ongoing care of people.
Access to the services is via referral to Te Haika (Telephone 0800 745 47704 or 918 2267 or fax 9182284). A referral can be from the person themselves, family, whanau, involved other people or general practitioners (GP). It is preferred that referrals come from GPs as it is important that they are aware and involved in treatment planning and care. GPs are responsible for managing all health services for people (not just mental health) and provide ongoing care for people once the need for specialist mental health services is no longer needed.