Northland youth in need of mental health services are waiting an average of nearly four weeks to see someone, more than 50 per cent longer than adults. But the waiting times vary hugely, especially for those living outside of Whangārei or Kaitāia , with some children waiting more than a year to first get help. The long waiting times - and general difficulty of accessing mental health services - can be catastrophic for young people suffering from the likes of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts, according to local counsellors.
Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand said children with the most acute need are prioritised, but delays are caused by a rise in demand , an increase in complexity and a high number of vacancies. Last week, the Government announced it would fund $24 million over four years to I Am Hope Foundation, to provide free counselling to young people aged 5 to 25 through the Gumboot Friday initiative, for youth with mild to moderate mental health needs. In the year ending June 30, 2023, Northland children waited an average of 26.
2 days to first access Te Whatu Ora services, such as through Te Roopu Kimiora, according to information supplied to the Northern Advocate under the Official Information Act. The children - with a median age of 14 - had to wait 53 per cent longer than adults. One child waited 404 days to first be seen after being referred, while the most urgent cases were seen the same day.
Whangārei private counsellor Diane Coleman said she has no.