Nau mai, haere mai – welcome. This is a locally-maintained list of wellbeing / support services in Taranaki. Spotted an out-of-date entry, or an organisation which is missing? Please drop us an email to let us know, and we’ll sort it! Thank you:)
You can select a category below, on the left; or search for a keyword, or just browse the full directory.
Mā tōu rourou, mā taku rourou ka ora te iwi – With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive.
HIPS – Health Improvement Practitioners
Biographical Info
HIPs provide support for people with concerns about mental health, addiction, long-term conditions and general wellbeing. HIPs can see people of all ages and at all stages of their lives. They work with you to improve your overall wellbeing by providing support and follow-up for any physical, spiritual, social, or mental issues or concerns. Things often discussed include:
- Sleep problems
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety and stress
- Identity issues including cultural, sexual and gender
- Improving social issues (parenting, relationships, loneliness, domestic violence)
- Addiction concerns
But HIPs are not limited to working in specific areas, they’re generalists and will work with anyone about anything.
HIPs are part of the general practice team, so they usually work in a GP clinic or medical centre. Being based in a GP clinic means there are no barriers to who can see them, as long as you’re enrolled in the practice. Appointments are available every day. Half of the day is for booked appointments and half is for casual appointments to allow for same-day referrals and walk-ins. You can be referred by your GP or nurse or you can ask to see them yourself.
Seeing a HIP is FREE if you are registered with the practice.
HIPs provide brief interventions to improve wellbeing. Because the aim of the HIP role is to help as many people as possible, the brief intervention format is not designed to provide long-term therapy, trauma therapy or counselling. A brief intervention focuses on the present moment with the aim of providing you with some skills, knowledge or insight to support your goals, values in life and physical and mental wellbeing.A typical brief intervention consultation with a HIP will take 15-30 minutes. It includes asking some questions to find out what you would like to work on that day that would be the most helpful to you. This can include problem solving, planning, referrals or education. All patients leave with a wellbeing plan. Some people get what they need in one session, but you can return for follow-up sessions or to work on something new.
HIPs can support patients to contact other services or find supports, manage change, advocate, research and build relationships.
Click on the link to see a comprehensive list of Medical Practices in Taranaki that have HIP in practice, including Integrated Healthcare providers, online only bookings, and other mental health services.