Today
12:00 AM to 12:00 AM.
Description
SPARX is a free online self-help tool designed to help young people aged 12 to 19 who are feeling down, stressed, or anxious. It teaches skills based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) through a series of interactive challenges. More
Ages
Youth / Rangatahi
How do I access this service?
Website / App
SPARX can be accessed via desktop online or as an app to download on your iOS or Android device.
Contact us
SPARX has a 24/7 free support line. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or like you want someone to talk to, reach out to one of our trained staff at 0508 477 279, or text 3110 (both of these methods are free to contact)
There is also a chat function which is accessible via the website.
If you or someone else feel unsafe contact 111 right away.
Fees and Charges Categorisation
Free
Fees and Charges Description
No fees apply.
Hours
12:00 AM to 12:00 AM.
| Mon – Sun | midnight – midnight |
|---|
SPARX is available to play 24/7, but our technical support staff will be on leave from 21st December - 5th January 2025, so any IT requests raised at this time may have a slight delay in response.
Languages Spoken
English
Programmes
How does SPARX work? SPARX is an interactive e-therapy tool designed to help young people manage depression and anxiety. It incorporates cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) learning with a virtual fantasy setting. Users will traverse through seven different modules, each relating to a different CBT skill in an interactive, fun, but educational way. At the beginning and end of each module, you will meet a character called the Guide who provides helpful information, assesses your mood, and helps set and track challenges. Why Use SPARX? Free: Available to everyone at no cost. Confidential: No one else needs to know you're using it. Private: Your information is secure and protected. Flexible: Use SPARX independently or alongside support from a health provider. Supportive: SPARX can guide you to additional help if needed. What is CBT? Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) teaches practical skills to help manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Through SPARX, you’ll learn how to relax, solve problems, feel more positive, communicate better with others, and seek support when needed. CBT is a proven approach that has helped many people experiencing mild to moderate depression and anxiety feel better. The Story Behind SPARX SPARX was developed by researchers and clinicians at the University of Auckland. It has been clinically tested and proven effective. Funded by Health New Zealand, it is widely available to support youth mental health across New Zealand. If you want to know more about evidence for SPARX and info for families or young people, check out the SPARX website for resources and videos. SPARX has a 24/7 free support line. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or like you want someone to talk to, reach out to one of our trained staff at 0508 477 279, or text 3110 (both of these methods are free to contact)
How does SPARX work? SPARX is an interactive e-therapy tool designed to help young people manage depression and anxiety. It incorporates cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) learning with a virtual fantasy setting. Users will traverse through seven different modules, each relating to a different CBT skill in an interactive, fun, but educational way. At the beginning and end of each module, you will meet a character called the Guide who provides helpful information, assesses your mood, and helps set and track challenges. Why Use SPARX? Free: Available to everyone at no cost. Confidential: No one else needs to know you're using it. Private: Your information is secure and protected. Flexible: Use SPARX independently or alongside support from a health provider. Supportive: SPARX can guide you to additional help if needed. What is CBT? Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) teaches practical skills to help manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Through SPARX, you’ll learn how to relax, solve problems, feel more positive, communicate better with others, and seek support when needed. CBT is a proven approach that has helped many people experiencing mild to moderate depression and anxiety feel better. The Story Behind SPARX SPARX was developed by researchers and clinicians at the University of Auckland. It has been clinically tested and proven effective. Funded by Health New Zealand, it is widely available to support youth mental health across New Zealand. If you want to know more about evidence for SPARX and info for families or young people, check out the SPARX website for resources and videos. SPARX has a 24/7 free support line. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or like you want someone to talk to, reach out to one of our trained staff at 0508 477 279, or text 3110 (both of these methods are free to contact)
- Programme Areas
Helplines / e-mental health, Mental health
- Programme Type
e-mental health apps and online tools, Peer / advocacy / group / family whānau support
- Regions
All of New Zealand
- Age Groups
Youth / Rangatahi
- Referral Types
Self referral, GP
Referral Process
SPARX is free to use and completely confidential. Sign yourself up today! Click here to register
Description
How does SPARX work?
SPARX is an interactive e-therapy tool designed to help young people manage depression and anxiety. It incorporates cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) learning with a virtual fantasy setting. Users will traverse through seven different modules, each relating to a different CBT skill in an interactive, fun, but educational way.
At the beginning and end of each module, you will meet a character called the Guide who provides helpful information, assesses your mood, and helps set and track challenges.
Why Use SPARX?
- Free: Available to everyone at no cost.
- Confidential: No one else needs to know you're using it.
- Private: Your information is secure and protected.
- Flexible: Use SPARX independently or alongside support from a health provider.
- Supportive: SPARX can guide you to additional help if needed.
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) teaches practical skills to help manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
Through SPARX, you’ll learn how to relax, solve problems, feel more positive, communicate better with others, and seek support when needed.
CBT is a proven approach that has helped many people experiencing mild to moderate depression and anxiety feel better.
The Story Behind SPARX
SPARX was developed by researchers and clinicians at the University of Auckland. It has been clinically tested and proven effective. Funded by Health New Zealand, it is widely available to support youth mental health across New Zealand.
If you want to know more about evidence for SPARX and info for families or young people, check out the SPARX website for resources and videos.
SPARX has a 24/7 free support line. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or like you want someone to talk to, reach out to one of our trained staff at 0508 477 279, or text 3110 (both of these methods are free to contact)
Additional Details
Online / virtual / app
Website
Contact Details
12:00 AM to 12:00 AM.
Website
SPARX is an online mental health tool
Contact us if you have a SPARX technical/IT question here
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This page was last updated at 3:55PM on May 14, 2025. This information is reviewed and edited by SPARX.