Online directory for access to mental health services in Sth

A new national online directory will improve access to mental health and addiction services for people in the southern region, says the chair of Alliance South, Mental Health and Addictions Network, John MacDonald.

The Healthpoint Mental Health and Addictions directory is an online platform for consumers and professionals to more easily navigate, understand and use mental health and addiction services in their community.

The southern region now has all DHB-funded mental health and addictions services live on the directory.

MacDonald says the region has been lacking a coordinated database of mental health and addictions services and suppliers.

“Healthpoint offers a comprehensive list that is maintained with up-to-date information, so that’s a massive help to us,” MacDonald says.

“It will have a significant impact by improving awareness of services, both locally and nationwide, and people’s understanding of how to access them.”

The Healthpoint directory allows people to search by location, service delivery, age and referral types, to identify the most relevant services for their needs.

Healthpoint mental health and addictions website content editor, Rhonda Dames, says the complex world of mental health can be difficult for people to navigate and those needing help are often unaware of the supports available and how to access them.

Dames is working with district health boards around the country to engage with every local service provider and ensure they have an accurate profile and that their information stays up-to-date.

Nationally, more than 90% of around 600 mental health and addiction services are live on the directory and 75% have worked directly with Healthpoint to ensure their information is current and complete.

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