Let's talk about mental health
Are you okay? We're here for you. Tend makes getting discreet mental health advice easy. See a doctor online, visit us in clinic or try a FREE 30-min video consult with a mental wellness clinician
Depression is extremely common in New Zealand, with 1 in 6 people experiencing it at some point during their lifetime. Symptoms range in severity, from feeling generally low to thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Depression is not a sign of weakness. In fact, to recognise you need help shows huge strength and it is a treatable illness. Treatments include lifestyle changes, psychological therapy and medications – often a combination of different treatments is used.
Increasing societal pressures are seeing rising numbers in mental health cases and early intervention is vital. You should see a doctor if you’re experiencing constant feelings of sadness or hopelessness, or your mood is affecting your ability to sleep, eat or work or study.
If you, or someone you know, is having thoughts about self-harm or suicide, dial 111 immediately.
Depression in New Zealand
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How Tend can help with your mental health & wellness
Who is eligible for each service?
Eligibility depends on your residency status and what you need help with:
- For free HIP sessions: You must be a New Zealand resident aged 16 or over and eligible for public health services in NZ. You do not need to be enrolled with Tend, and you do not need a referral. Please note this service is not available to those on a working visa.
- For doctor-led consultations: This service is available to everyone in New Zealand, including visitors and those on working visas. While anyone can book a casual appointment, Tend-enrolled patients enjoy lower consultation fees.
Which service is right for me?
If you want practical strategies to handle a specific life stressor and prefer a free service, book with a health improvement practitioner (HIP). HIPs are registered mental health professionals who provide immediate, evidence-based support for concerns like stress, anxiety, low mood, and sleep difficulties.
If you feel you may need a formal diagnosis, medication, or have complex medical needs, book a 30-minute appointment with one of our doctors.
What can these sessions help with?
Whether you see a HIP or a doctor, we provide a safe space to talk about:
- Stress and burnout: Managing work pressure and rediscovering
your spark. - Anxiety and low mood: Finding calm and navigating feelings
of being "stuck." - Relationships: Dealing with loneliness, breakups, or toxic dynamics.
- Life hurdles: Handling bullying, money worries, or family challenges.
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More about our free mental health service
✅ Anxiety & overthinking
✅ Breakups & relationships
✅ Bullying or toxic dynamics
✅ Loneliness & feeling stuck
✅ Stress, overwhelm or burnout
✅ Trouble sleeping
Whatever you're going through, our clinicians can help. Have a chat with someone who gets it and who'll give you real strategies to work through life's messy moments.
Frequently asked questions
Free practical support today
Bay of Plenty
Find a Tend clinic near you
Auckland
Canterbury
Tend Kingsland, Tend Symonds Street, Tend Pakūranga, Tend Constellation Drive and Tend Ōrākei
Tend Greerton, Tend Bethlehem,
Tend South City and Tend Pāpāmoa
Tend Linwood, Tend Beckford,
Tend Waltham, Tend Harewood,
Tend Hagley Park and Tend Ashburton
If you live in Auckland,
Bay of Plenty of Canterbury, we're welcoming new patients at all
14 Tend clinics.
Enrol in 5 minutes via the Tend app! We take care of all the paperwork.
Life can be overwhelming, and reaching out for support is the first step toward feeling like yourself again. At Tend, we offer two distinct pathways to help you navigate life’s challenges in a safe, confidential, and judgement-free space.
Doctor-led care by appointment
Best for: Immediate strategies for stress, anxiety, burnout, or relationship issues
Cost: Free for NZ residents (16+)
Focus: Practical, "here and now" tools you can use immediately
Clinicians: Health Improvement Practitioners (HIP) - qualified mental health professionals
Medication: HIPs cannot prescribe medication.
Best for: Comprehensive medical care, diagnosis and treatment plans
Cost: Consultation fees will vary for enrolled or casual patients. There are subsidised fees for CSC holders
Focus: In-depth 30-minute sessions to discuss your history, symptoms, and medical needs
Clinicians: Doctor/General and Nurse Practitioners (GPs and NPs)
Medication: Doctors can provide prescriptions and referrals.
Online
In-clinic or online
How long is an appointment?
Both HIP sessions and doctor-led mental health appointments are 30-minutes long. This ensures you have the space and privacy to really talk without feeling rushed.
Can I get medication/ a prescription?
- Through a doctor: Yes. If necessary, your script will be sent directly to your pharmacy following your online consultation.
- Through a HIP: No. HIPs focus on behavioural and practical strategies. If they believe you need medication, they will recommend you book with a Tend doctor.
Is this service private?
Absolutely. We follow strict privacy laws, including the Privacy Act 2020 and the Health Information Privacy Code 2020, to ensure your data and conversations remain confidential.
What if I’m in a crisis?
These services are not intended for emergencies. If you or someone else is in immediate danger:
- Call 111 or go to your nearest emergency department.
- Call your local mental health crisis team.
Free call or text 1737 anytime to talk to a trained counsellor.
Ready to take the first step?
Download the app to book
How Tend works
Learn more about Tend
"I have never had a more productive 30-min conversation than this. Smart, structured and efficient. Thank you for the help!"
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"I found this meeting incredibly helpful, reinforced what I was doing and also gave me some work ons, and very solid advice."
What people say...
If you live in Auckland, Bay of Plenty or Canterbury, we're welcoming new patients at all 14 Tend clinics.
A safe, confidential and judgement free space
Ready to take the first step?
Download the app to book