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 interactive challenges in a gameplay environment. More
Ages
Youth / Rangatahi
How do I access this service?
Website / App
SPARX can be accessed online for desktops or via our app on iOS or Android devices.
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 trained staff by free calling 0508 477 279, or free text 3110.
There is also a chat function which is accessible via the website.
If you or someone else feels unsafe, contact 111 right away.
Anyone can access
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. Our technical support staff work Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm and any emails will receive a response within these working hours.
Languages Spoken
English
Programmes
How does SPARX work? SPARX is an interactive e-therapy tool designed to help young people manage mild to moderate depression and anxiety. It incorporates cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) learning with a virtual fantasy setting. Users will traverse through seven different modules to learn skills, assess their mood, and set goals. Challenge the GNATs (Gloomy, Negative, Automatic Thoughts) and turn them into SPARX (Smart Positive Active Realistic X-factor thoughts)! 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. It is a proven approach that has helped many people experiencing mild to moderate depression and anxiety feel better. With SPARX, you’ll learn how to relax, problem solve, be assertive, communicate effectively, and seek support when needed. 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 Aotearoa New Zealand. For resources and videos about the evidence behind SPARX or information for families, young people, and health professionals, check out our website. 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 trained staff by free calling 0508 477 279, or free text 3110.
How does SPARX work? SPARX is an interactive e-therapy tool designed to help young people manage mild to moderate depression and anxiety. It incorporates cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) learning with a virtual fantasy setting. Users will traverse through seven different modules to learn skills, assess their mood, and set goals. Challenge the GNATs (Gloomy, Negative, Automatic Thoughts) and turn them into SPARX (Smart Positive Active Realistic X-factor thoughts)! 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. It is a proven approach that has helped many people experiencing mild to moderate depression and anxiety feel better. With SPARX, you’ll learn how to relax, problem solve, be assertive, communicate effectively, and seek support when needed. 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 Aotearoa New Zealand. For resources and videos about the evidence behind SPARX or information for families, young people, and health professionals, check out our website. 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 trained staff by free calling 0508 477 279, or free text 3110.
- Programme Areas
Helplines / e-mental health, Mental health
- Programme Type
e-mental health apps and online tools
- Regions
All of New Zealand
- Age Groups
Youth / Rangatahi
- Referral Types
Self referral
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 mild to moderate depression and anxiety. It incorporates cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) learning with a virtual fantasy setting. Users will traverse through seven different modules to learn skills, assess their mood, and set goals.
Challenge the GNATs (Gloomy, Negative, Automatic Thoughts) and turn them into SPARX (Smart Positive Active Realistic X-factor thoughts)!
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. It is a proven approach that has helped many people experiencing mild to moderate depression and anxiety feel better.
With SPARX, you’ll learn how to relax, problem solve, be assertive, communicate effectively, and seek support when needed.
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 Aotearoa New Zealand.
For resources and videos about the evidence behind SPARX or information for families, young people, and health professionals, check out our website.
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 trained staff by free calling 0508 477 279, or free text 3110.
Additional Details
Online / virtual / app
Website
Contact Details
12:00 AM to 12:00 AM.
-
Phone
0508 477 279
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 2:22PM on July 31, 2025. This information is reviewed and edited by SPARX.