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Referrals
How to Get a Referral to See a Clinician or Join a Peer Group at Anxiety NZ

Kia ora — this page helps you (or a health professional) connect with the right support at Anxiety NZ. You don’t need to have all the answers. If you’re unsure where to begin, we’ll guide you through the next steps.

Please choose the option that best fits what you need today:

A) I need immediate help
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111. If you need urgent mental health support, call or text 1737 any time.
For anxiety support right now, you can call our free 24/7 0800 ANXIETY Helpline: 0800 269 4389.
(You can also visit: Get Immediate Support)

B) I want therapy/support for anxiety or related challenges
If you want to request therapy or an appointment, please complete the referral form on this page.

C) I’m seeking an adult ADHD assessment (limited availability)
We currently have a limited number of adult ADHD assessment appointments available. Please use the separate ADHD assessment referral pathway here.

D) I’m not sure what support I need
If you’re unsure whether Anxiety NZ is the right fit, please read the “Is Anxiety NZ a good fit?” section below before submitting a referral. You can also explore our resources below.

Immediate help (please read first if safety is a concern)
If you or someone you care about is in immediate danger, call 111.
If you need urgent mental health support, call or text 1737 (available 24/7).
If you’re feeling anxious and need support right now, you can call our free 24/7 0800 ANXIETY Helpline: 0800 269 4389.

To fill in a self-referral or referral on behalf of a family member for therapy services, please click the button below or here.

Is Anxiety NZ a good fit?

We support people across Aotearoa who are experiencing anxiety and related mental health challenges. Many people refer themselves when they’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to start.

Anxiety NZ may be a good fit if you’re seeking support for:

  • Anxiety or ongoing worry

  • Panic attacks

  • OCD / intrusive thoughts

  • Phobias

  • Stress or overwhelm connected to anxiety

  • Low mood alongside anxiety

You may be better supported elsewhere if you are primarily seeking:

  • Immediate crisis care or urgent safety support (see “Immediate help” above)

  • Support that is outside Anxiety NZ’s scope or service availability

Getting Started With Support

Getting started with support (what happens next)
Once you submit a referral, our team will review it and contact you about next steps.

Here’s what to expect:

  • We review the information you’ve shared

  • We consider what support best fits your needs (and availability)

  • We contact you about next steps, which may include an appointment pathway and information about timing

How we match you to the right support
We consider what you’re experiencing, what you’re hoping to work on, and which support pathway best fits (therapy, peer support, resources and courses). Our aim is to connect you with the right support — not just the next available option.

How long it usually takes
Wait times can vary throughout the year. We’ll tell you what to expect when we contact you.

Before you start the referral form
This form takes about 10 minutes to complete. You don’t need to write a lot — a few sentences is enough. If you’re unsure about any question, it’s okay to leave it blank if it’s optional.

After we receive your referral: 

  • We review the information you’ve shared 

  • A triage team member will assess what type of support might be most helpful 

  • You’ll be contacted with the next steps, which may include a suitability call, appointment offer, or additional resources while you wait 

More about Anxiety NZ

A guide to Anxiety NZ Trust's services and support.

Helpful links to get you connected.

Need Immediate Help?

If you are worried about the safety of a loved one, or someone else, you can call the Crisis Team on 0800 800 717 or dial 111 in an emergency. 

Do you need support? Yellow Brick Road is a national organisation that provides support for whānau who have a loved one experiencing mental health challenges. 

For more information about helping family / whānau visit mentalhealth.org.nz

FAQS
What to expect after you complete a referral?

After we receive your referral: 

  • We review the information you’ve shared 

  • A triage team member will assess what type of support might be most helpful 

  • You’ll be contacted with the next steps, which may include a suitability call, appointment offer, or additional resources while you wait 

You’ll never be expected to have all the answers, and you don’t need to know exactly what kind of support you need — that’s our job to help you figure out. 

How we match you with the right clinician?

Your referral is carefully read by our triage team. We consider: 

  • What you’re experiencing (e.g., anxiety, panic, phobias, stress, OCD, low mood) 

  • Your goals and what you’re hoping to change 

  • Any preferences you have 

  • Which clinician is best suited to your needs 

  • Availability and the earliest suitable appointment time 

Our aim is to match you with the right clinician, not just the next available one — so you receive support that truly fits your situation.

How long will I have to wait?

Our wait times can vary throughout the year depending on demand. Typically, you can expect: 

  • Suitability calls: available within 1–2 weeks 

  • Therapy appointments: often a wait (exact time can vary), but we’ll tell you what to expect upfront 

  • Peer Support Groups: longer waitlists 

  • Helpline: immediate support anytime 

We know waiting for support can feel hard. We prioritise transparency so you know where you are in the process and what to expect next. 

What support can I access while I wait?

You don’t need to wait for your appointment to begin feeling supported. You’re welcome to use any of the following: 

Free 24/7 Anxiety Helpline 

Call 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389) anytime for grounding strategies, reassurance, and support through tough moments. 

Online resources, Courses & self‑paced learning

We have articles, tools, and guides designed to help you manage anxiety, stress, and overwhelm. 

Our digital courses offer structured support you can begin immediately — including resources for eco‑anxiety, everyday wellbeing, and winter mental health. 

Using these tools can help you feel steadier, more informed, and more prepared by the time you meet with your clinician.

Ready to learn more about supporting your mental wellbeing?
The Empowered course is a free, self-paced course from Anxiety NZ to help you and your whānau navigate anxiety with proven strategies and support.