Mental Health
Services & Support
Helpline services are available right now in New Zealand that offer support, information and help for you and your parents, family, whānau and friends.
All the services listed here are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week unless otherwise specified.
National Helplines
Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).
Healthline – 0800 611 116
Depression-Specific Helplines
Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions).
Helplines for Children and Young People
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
thelowdown.co.nz – or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626.
What’s Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available every day of the week, 365 days of the year, 11am–11pm. Online chat is available from 11am–10:30pm 7 days a week, including all public holidays.
Help for Parents, Family and Friends
EDANZ – improving outcomes for people with eating disorders and their families. Freephone 0800 2 EDANZ or 0800 233 269, or in Auckland 09 522 2679. Or email info@ed.org.nz.
Parent Help – 0800 568 856 for parents/whānau seeking support, advice and practical strategies on all parenting concerns. Anonymous, non-judgemental and confidential.
Family Services 211 Helpline – 0800 211 211 for help finding (and direct transfer to) community based health and social support services in your area.
Other Specialist Helplines
Alcohol and Drug Helpline – 0800 787 797 or online chat.
Are You OK – 0800 456 450 family violence helpline.
Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 655
Anxiety NZ – 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY).
Seniorline – 0800 725 463 A free information service for older people.
Shine – 0508 744 633 confidential domestic abuse helpline.
Quit Line – 0800 778 778 smoking cessation help.
Women’s Refuge Crisisline – 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE) (for women living with violence, or in fear, in their relationship or family).
Shakti Crisis Line – 0800 742 584 (for migrant or refugee women living with family violence).
Safe to Talk – 0800 044 334 or free text 4334 for help to do with sexual harm. Available 24/7 and staffed by trained counsellors.