"This will mean coming up with a brand name that's catchy and relevant. Over time, we hope when young people and their families see the brand they will immediately identify it with all WDHB youth services."
Mr Buchan said it hadn't been decided yet how the service would work, as they wanted young people to decide.
"Because we want everyone using it to feel comfortable about asking for help and advice, it's important we understand how we can achieve that."
He said young people could decide whether they wanted a place to go and see mental health professionals, or whether they wanted regular meetings. It could be anything from "meeting at McDonalds" or having staff members walk the streets in distinctive shirts so people could approach them in public, he said.
"There's sufficient funding for us to be quite creative."
Mr Buchan stressed that nothing was set in stone.
"Instead of being hospital-based, we anticipate our new drop-in service for young people will see staff meeting and engaging with youngsters in environments they are comfortable in. This might be in town or on a marae," he said.
"There's a lot of talk among the youth service about having a central hub. It's up to the youth to tell us what they want."
Mr Buchan said while the WDHB had services for alcohol and drugs, and services for mental health, there wasn't a joining of the two to provide a single point of access for young people grappling with one or both of those issues.
"This service is expected to minimise young people's use of, and harm from, substance abuse, and that's all about helping them address their mental health issues by intervening early.
"We want to see them doing better at school, having better relationships with friends and family, and enjoying a better quality of life overall."
It is expected the service will be operational by July.
Mr Buchan said there was enough funding to hire additional mental health staff if needed.