New Zealand’s government-backed mental health and addiction initiative, Access and Choice, has achieved a significant milestone by providing over one million support sessions since its inception in 2020, as announced by Health Minister Ayesha Verrall.
The Access and Choice program was established in response to a government review of mental health in 2019, aiming to deliver services within primary health care settings, such as general practitioner (GP) clinics, for individuals dealing with mild to moderate mental health concerns.
Health Minister Ayesha Verrall shared, “Every month, tens of thousands of New Zealanders are benefiting from this innovative program, which extends mental health support in familiar health care settings like GP clinics.”
Despite initial challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the program’s reach has expanded significantly. Verrall highlighted this progress, stating, “It took approximately two and a half years to reach the 500,000-session mark. Remarkably, we’ve achieved a million sessions in less than a year since then.”
Moreover, the program’s influence continues to grow as new locations are added each month. Verrall emphasized, “Now individuals can access free and easily available face-to-face support from Kaitaia to Bluff, spanning more than 600 locations in between.”
Verrall underlined the program’s transformative impact, saying, “From the ground up, we’ve built an entirely new mental health and addiction service. The well-being support integrated into general practice now reaches over three million New Zealanders.”
Monthly statistics indicate that approximately 40,000 to 60,000 support sessions are conducted, and this number is poised to rise as the nationwide service rollout progresses in phases.
One of the program’s distinguishing features is that it does not require a referral, attracting a diverse cross-section of New Zealanders seeking assistance for mild and moderate mental well-being challenges.
Verrall acknowledged the improvements in New Zealand’s mental health system, noting, “This government inherited an overlooked and underfunded mental health system. In 2019, we invested $455 million to enhance primary mental health care, resulting in help for countless individuals across New Zealand.”
The Access and Choice initiative is instrumental in breaking down mental health stigma, encouraging individuals to address challenges related to mental health and addiction. Verrall highlighted the program’s significance, stating, “The essence lies in being able to take action about mental health, and these services provide that value through their free and accessible nature.”
In addition to Access and Choice, New Zealand has introduced mental health support in schools via programs like Mana Ake. The government has also expanded mental well-being assistance in universities, tertiary institutions, and online platforms.
Verrall stressed the government’s commitment to tailored support for diverse communities, including Māori, Pacific, youth, rural, and Rainbow communities. Concluding, she said, “Our government has confronted the challenges it inherited, honoring our commitment to rebuild the mental health system and modernize its infrastructure.”
With Access and Choice and related initiatives, New Zealand continues its dedication to improving mental health and well-being nationwide.
