Mental Health Resources in            New Zealand

Find free and confidential mental health support in New Zealand, including 24/7 crisis helplines, youth counselling services, and nonprofit organisations. This guide includes trusted options such as 1737, Lifeline Aotearoa, and I Am Hope to help individuals and whānau access culturally responsive mental health care throughout Aotearoa.

This country-specific guide is part of our global mental health resources directory, which connects users to free, nonprofit, and government-supported services by country.

🆘 Immediate & Crisis Support

• Call 111 for Life-Threatening Emergencies
  For any situation involving immediate danger to life or safety, dial 111 for emergency services.
• 1737 – Need to Talk?
  A free 24/7 mental health helpline where you can call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor.
• Lifeline Aotearoa
  Call 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357 for confidential support from trained professionals. Suicide Crisis Helpline – Dial 0508 828 865 (TAUTOKO) for urgent support if you or someone else is at risk of suicide.
• Youthline
  Free support for young people. Call 0800 376 633, text 234, or use the online chat service.
• The Lowdown
  Text 5626 for mental health support, especially for young people dealing with anxiety or depression.
• Anxiety New Zealand Helpline
  Call 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389) for 24/7 assistance with anxiety and panic disorders.
• 0800 What’s Up
  Free counselling for children and teens. Call 0800 942 8787.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Non-Profit & Charitable Mental Health Organisations

• Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
  Offers free resources, self-help tools, and national mental health campaigns to support well-being.
• I Am Hope / Gumboot Friday
  Provides free youth counselling through the Gumboot Friday initiative.
• Yellow Brick Road
  Family support for those caring for a loved one with mental health challenges.
• Refugees As Survivors New Zealand (RASNZ)
  Mental health support tailored to the unique needs of refugees and asylum seekers.
• Rainbow Youth
  Support services for LGBTQIA+ youth, including mentoring, events, and education.
• Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand
  Free counselling and support for individuals and families affected by gambling harm.

👥 Specialised Support Groups

• Aoake te Rā
  Support after suicide loss for individuals and whānau across Aotearoa.
• Toi Ora Live Art Trust
  Creative therapy programmes for adults living with mental health issues.
• Arts Access Aotearoa
  Advocates for inclusive arts programs that support recovery and community engagement.
• Sir John Kirwan Foundation – Mitey
  In-school mental health education programme promoting emotional literacy in children.

🧾 Legal & Practical Advice

• Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand
  Provides free, independent advice on legal, financial, tenancy, and immigration issues.