Local support for $10m mental health pilot

Gains@Geneva clinical psychologist and national clinical manager Cath Hunter, pictured with a young client, welcomes initiatives to improve access to mental health services. Photo / Warren Buckland

The Hawke's Bay District Health Board and local psychological support providers are welcoming the Government's new pilot programme to provide free counselling for 18 to 25-year-olds.

Health Minister David Clark and Associate Health Minister Julie Anne Genter yesterday called for mental health providers to submit bids to run a pilot programme to improve access to and the availability of a range of psychological therapies.

In this year's Budget $10.49 million over three years was allocated for the programme, called the Integrated Therapies Pilot and targeted at youth wellbeing.

Dr Clark said it was known that young people with mild to moderate mental health needed help.

"Three quarters of all lifetime cases of mental illness start by 25 years of age. That underlines the importance of providing support for our young people as soon as possible," he said.

"We need to make a difference to those rangatahi who aren't currently accessing mental health services for a variety of reasons – because they can't afford them, the services aren't appropriate, or because their needs aren't recognised as severe enough."

Genter said there needed to be more information about what worked in the New Zealand context for young Māori, young people with disabilities, young Pacific people and young rainbow New Zealanders.

"This pilot can help us gather that information – and at the same time make a difference in the lives of those young people that use its services."

Hawke's Bay District Health Board executive director primary care Chris Ash said the DHB was heartened by the innovative announcement from the Government.

"The District Health Board will be submitting a bid to the Ministry of Health, through its procurement process, so it can ensure Hawke's Bay providers of mental health services are considered."

In Hawke's Bay, Gains@Geneva provided psychology and professional rehabilitation services, and clinical psychologist and national clinical manager Cath Hunter also welcomed the initiative, and the opportunity to bid for the pilot programme.

She said it was difficult to estimate the number of young people who had a need for mental health services in the region, but noted that cost was one factor among others that may put young people off seeking support.

"This age group is more likely to be studying, struggling into work, on low wages or still dependent on family.

"In my experience a lot of young people don't want to access a GP or other health professional and there is still a strong stigma attached to telling someone you are not coping."

She said breaking down any barriers to seeking help would be positive.

"The most obvious benefit of improved access would be reducing harm, potentially lowering our tragic suicide rate, and halting the development of more persistent mental health conditions, all of which take a much larger toll on family and other health services.

"It would also help younger people achieve healthier relationships, less alcohol and drug abuse along with improved physical and sexual health."

She did, however, sound one note of caution.

"I hope any organisation delivering this programme to young people has a proven record for delivering quality and evidence-based therapies along with robust outcome data, which demonstrates that they are making a real difference."