Developed and managed by staff at the University of Auckland.

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.
SPARX was developed by researchers and clinicians at the University of Auckland. It is evidence-based and has been clinically tested to support young people in learning how to manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
Developed and managed by staff at the University of Auckland.
Free
No fees apply.
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
| Mon – Fri | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
|---|
SPARX is available to play 24/7 at sparx.org.nz
Our technical support staff work Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm (excluding public holidays).
Any emails will receive a response within these working hours.
Public Holidays: Closed Auckland Anniversary (26 Jan), Waitangi Day (6 Feb), Good Friday (3 Apr), Easter Sunday (5 Apr), Easter Monday (6 Apr), ANZAC Day (observed) (27 Apr), King's Birthday (1 Jun), Matariki (10 Jul), Labour Day (26 Oct).
Christmas: Closed 22 Dec — 4 Jan. Open 5 Jan — 9 Jan.
English
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.
Helplines / e-mental health, Mental health
e-mental health apps and online tools
All of New Zealand
Youth / Rangatahi
Self referral
SPARX is free to use and completely confidential. Sign yourself up today! Click here to register
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?
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.
Online / virtual / app
https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/mental-health-addictions/mental-health/sparx/