Developed and managed by staff at the University of Auckland.

SPARX is a free, online self-help tool designed to equip young people with life skills to manage stressful and negative emotions. It uses a game-like format to deliver proven talking therapy techniques.
SPARX was developed by researchers and clinicians from the University of Auckland in partnership with young people. Research shows that it can improve low mood and reduce anxiety for rangatahi aged 13-19 years old.
Developed and managed by staff at the University of Auckland.
Free
No fees apply.
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).
Please expect responses to emails within these working hours.
English
How does SPARX work? SPARX is an interactive self-help tool designed to help young people manage low mood and anxiety. It delivers lessons in proven talking therapy techniques within a game-like format. Users will interact with characters and complete challenges throughout seven different modules to learn skills, assess their mood, and set goals. Lessons in SPARX As users move through the seven levels, they learn to: Manage stress and strong emotions Recognise and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns Build confidence and assertiveness Improve communication with others Solve problems more effectively Identify triggers and respond in healthier ways 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. SPARX teaches how your thoughts and behaviours influence feelings and what you can do about it. About SPARX SPARX was developed by researchers and clinicians at the University of Auckland in partnership with young people. 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 counsellors 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 self-help tool designed to help young people manage low mood and anxiety. It delivers lessons in proven talking therapy techniques within a game-like format. Users will interact with characters and complete challenges throughout seven different modules to learn skills, assess their mood, and set goals.
Lessons in SPARX
As users move through the seven levels, they learn to:
Why Use SPARX?
SPARX teaches how your thoughts and behaviours influence feelings and what you can do about it.
About SPARX
SPARX was developed by researchers and clinicians at the University of Auckland in partnership with young people. 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 counsellors by free calling 0508 477 279, or free text 3110.
Online / virtual / app
https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/mental-health-addictions/mental-health/sparx/