Primary Mental Health Brief Intervention Service (BIS)

Programme Areas

Mental health

Programme Type

Community based support - mental health

Regions

Waitaki, Central Lakes, Southland, Dunedin - South Otago

Age Groups

Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua

Referral Types

GP

Referral Process

This service is available to those people eligible for NZ health care and 20 years of age and over.  Generally people are referred by their general practice health care team.

Once the referral has been received, you will be contacted by one of the clinical team within 2 weeks. Priority for service is given to those people who are Māori / Pacific or refugee or have community service or high user health card.

The clinician who makes contact with you can discuss the most appropriate follow up options for you.

Description

WellSouth's Primary Mental Health Brief Intervention Service (BIS) provides support and assistance to people experiencing concerns related to their mental well-being. 

Issues most appropriate for the BIS are:

• Symptoms of depressed mood
• Symptoms of anxiety
• Physical health/adjustment to illness issues
• Stress related issues
• Significant, unexplained behaviour changes, where physical cause has been ruled out
• Psycho-education

All clinicians providing brief intervention are registered with a professional body, including nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, counsellors, psychologists and psychotherapists.

The clinician that makes contact with you can discuss the most appropriate follow up options for you which could include:

• Self-help options including e-therapy, books on prescription, apps
• Telephone support
• Advice on potentially more appropriate agencies/services
• Face to Face appointment or Vidyo (secure video conferencing) which would include an initial assessment with up to 4 follow up sessions