Mental Health & Wellbeing NZ
Nurturing Wellbeing for All in Aotearoa
This directory brings together key mental health and wellbeing resources for the people of New Zealand. We believe that everyone deserves to live a mentally healthy life and that knowing where to find support is a vital first step.
Here, you will find free and confidential services for times of crisis, dedicated support for young people and specific communities, and trusted sources of information and advocacy. Whether you are seeking immediate help for yourself, guidance for someone you care about, or resources to support your own wellbeing, you are welcome here.
Remember: Reaching out is a sign of strength, and support is always available.
Crisis Support
If you or someone you care about needs immediate mental health or emotional support, you are not alone. The free, confidential 24/7 services listed below are here to help anyone in Aotearoa New Zealand through a crisis, stressful time, or moment of distress. Reaching out is a sign of strength.
1737 Need to talk?
Free 24/7 National Counselling & Support
1737 is a free, confidential helpline and text service, available around the clock to support anyone in New Zealand feeling anxious, stressed, depressed, or in need of a listening ear.
Services Include: Immediate support from trained counsellors via phone or text (text 1737 to begin), brief intervention counselling, and connection to further local health and social services if needed.
Coverage: Nationwide (Aotearoa New Zealand)
Website: https://www.1737.org.nz/
Phone: 1737 (Free call or text)
Languages: English, with interpreter services available.
Lifeline Aotearoa
24/7 Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention
Lifeline provides compassionate, confidential support 24 hours a day to people in emotional distress or who are having thoughts of suicide. Their trained volunteer counsellors offer a safe, non-judgmental space to talk.
Services Include: 24/7 crisis telephone support, suicide prevention intervention, and supportive listening.
Coverage: Nationwide (Aotearoa New Zealand)
Website: https://www.lifeline.org.nz/
Phone: 0800 543 354 (Free call)
Text: 4357 (HELP)
Suicide Crisis Helpline
Specialist Support for Suicide Distress
This helpline is dedicated to supporting people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about someone who might be. It is staffed by experienced, specialist clinicians.
Services Include: Immediate telephone support for people in suicidal distress, guidance for people worried about a loved one, and advice on crisis safety planning.
Coverage: Nationwide (Aotearoa New Zealand)
Website: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/help
Phone: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Free 24/7 Telephone Health Advice
Healthline is a government-funded service providing free, round-the-clock health advice from registered nurses and paramedics. It is a trusted first point of contact for New Zealanders who are unwell, unsure about symptoms, or need guidance on the best course of action.
Services Include: Triage and health advice for physical and mental health concerns, information on what service to use (e.g., GP, after-hours clinic, or emergency department), support for managing common illnesses at home, and connection to interpreters for over 40 languages.
Coverage: Nationwide (Aotearoa New Zealand)
Phone: 0800 611 116
Website: https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/services-and-support/health-care-services/healthline
For Deaf or hearing-impaired callers: Fax 0800 611 117 or use the NZ Relay Service.
Free Counselling & Support for Young People
Youthline provides a vital, youth-focused helpline and support service for young people across Aotearoa. It offers a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space for anyone under 25, or those supporting them, to talk about anything that's going on in their life.
Services Include: 24/7 free telephone counselling and support, free texting service, email support, face-to-face counselling in some regions, youth mentoring programmes, and resources on mental wellbeing.
Coverage: Nationwide helpline and texting; face-to-face services in selected regions (Auckland, Christchurch, the Bay of Plenty, Northland, Waikato, and Otago).
Phone: 0800 376 633
Text: 234 (Available 24/7)
Email: talk@youthline.co.nz
Website: https://www.youthline.co.nz/
Specialist Support for LGBTQIA+ Communities
OUTLine is Aotearoa's national, free peer support service specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community and their whānau. Trained volunteers with lived experience provide a safe, affirming, and confidential space to talk about identity, sexuality, gender, mental wellbeing, or any other concern.
Services Include: A national helpline, face-to-face and online peer support sessions in Auckland and Waikato, transgender-specific peer support groups, and resources for individuals, whānau, and workplaces.
Coverage: National helpline; in-person and online services available in the Auckland and Waikato regions.
Helpline: 0800 688 5463 (0800 OUTLINE)
Hours: 9am–9pm daily (including weekends and public holidays)
Website: https://www.outline.org.nz/
Email: support@outline.org.nz
National Advocacy, Information & Programmes
The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand (MHF) is a leading national charity dedicated to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing for all people in Aotearoa. They work to reduce stigma, provide trusted resources, and run evidence-based programmes to help individuals, whānau, and communities thrive.
Services Include: Public education and awareness campaigns (like Mental Health Awareness Week), free downloadable resources and toolkits on a wide range of topics, information on finding help, and advocacy for a mentally healthy society.
Coverage: Nationwide (Aotearoa New Zealand)
Website: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/
Information Line: 09 623 4812 (Provides general information and resources; not a crisis line)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Postal Address: Mental Health Foundation, PO Box 10051, Dominion Road, Auckland 1446