Wellington > Mental Health & Addictions >
Whakamātūtū / Depression Recovery Trust
Mental Health Service
Today
9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Description
Whakamātūtū is for individuals who are finding their way through mental distress - those who need more than a quick visit to the doctor, or what they're getting from specialist services.
Our programmes are about people learning their own strengths and skills for a continued recovery. They address key aspects of mental health – the emotional, relational, physical, and spiritual by working with psychotherapy, Rongoā Māori, somatic therapy, art, and music therapies. This multi-faceted approach also places importance on nutrition and the physical space in which the programme takes place.
MoreStaff
Our team includes: Psychotherapists, General Practitioner, Rongoā Māori practitioner, Social Worker, Art Therapists, Music Therapist, Somatic therapist, Cooks. Meet the team here.
Ages
Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua
How do I access this service?
Referral
Keeping it simple.
For health practitioners, therapists, counsellors, and organisations supporting adults please provide information about the individual you are referring, via this link. We will take it from there and will contact them within two business days. We aim for a two-week intake process so that individuals can start their Whakamātūtū recovery journey as soon as possible.
If you are self-referring, please contact us directly here. A member of our intake team will be in touch with you within two days of receiving your details. This will be to discuss your needs and the relevant programme.
Contact us
For enquiries please contact us by email enquiries@whakamatutu.org.nz
Website / App
Anyone can access
Casual (not enrolled) patients
Fees and Charges Categorisation
Fees apply
Fees and Charges Description
Programme costs cover all pre-programme assessments, programme attendance, and post-programme peer support (ongoing). Please contact us directly for fees relating to the programme you are interested in.
- ACC sensitive claims are fully funded and participants can continue with private therapy sessions while attending the programme.
- MSD clients
- Insurance (life or health policies)
- Private funding
Hours
9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
| Mon – Fri | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
|---|
Public Holidays: Closed Good Friday (18 Apr), Easter Sunday (20 Apr), Easter Monday (21 Apr), ANZAC Day (25 Apr), King's Birthday (2 Jun), Matariki (20 Jun), Labour Day (27 Oct), Wellington Anniversary (19 Jan), Waitangi Day (6 Feb).
Languages Spoken
English, Māori
Programmes
6-week Programme: Our most comprehensive option, this full-time, group-based programme offers a wide range of therapeutic support. It’s designed for those ready to engage deeply in an intensive, recovery-focused journey alongside others. Format: 6 weeks, full time, Monday to Friday. Group-based support including psychodynamic therapy, cultural supports, art, somatic, and music therapies. Post-programme: peer-led support (ongoing).
6-week Programme: Our most comprehensive option, this full-time, group-based programme offers a wide range of therapeutic support. It’s designed for those ready to engage deeply in an intensive, recovery-focused journey alongside others. Format: 6 weeks, full time, Monday to Friday. Group-based support including psychodynamic therapy, cultural supports, art, somatic, and music therapies. Post-programme: peer-led support (ongoing).
- Programme Areas
Mental health
- Programme Type
Counselling and support
- Regions
Wellington, Hutt, Wairarapa
- Age Groups
Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua
- Referral Types
Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services
Referral Process
Please see here for health professional referrals.
- 6-Week Programme - flyer - March 2025 (PDF, 2 MB)
Note: PDF downloads require the free Adobe Reader application to view.
Description
6-week Programme: Our most comprehensive option, this full-time, group-based programme offers a wide range of therapeutic support. It’s designed for those ready to engage deeply in an intensive, recovery-focused journey alongside others.
Format: 6 weeks, full time, Monday to Friday. Group-based support including psychodynamic therapy, cultural supports, art, somatic, and music therapies.
Post-programme: peer-led support (ongoing).
4-Week Programme: A flexible option for those who need structured support but can’t commit full-time - including working professionals. With reduced hours and focused content, this lower-cost programme offers the core of our evidence-based approach in a more accessible format. Format: 4 weeks, Monday to Wednesday. Psychotherapeutic groups and creative therapies. Includes art, cultural, and somatic therapies. Post-programme: peer-led support (ongoing).
4-Week Programme: A flexible option for those who need structured support but can’t commit full-time - including working professionals. With reduced hours and focused content, this lower-cost programme offers the core of our evidence-based approach in a more accessible format. Format: 4 weeks, Monday to Wednesday. Psychotherapeutic groups and creative therapies. Includes art, cultural, and somatic therapies. Post-programme: peer-led support (ongoing).
- Programme Areas
Mental health
- Programme Type
Counselling and support
- Regions
Wellington, Hutt, Wairarapa
- Age Groups
Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua
- Referral Types
Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services
Referral Process
Please see here for health professional referrals.
- 4-Week Programme - flyer - May 2025 (PDF, 156.5 KB)
Note: PDF downloads require the free Adobe Reader application to view.
Description
4-Week Programme: A flexible option for those who need structured support but can’t commit full-time - including working professionals. With reduced hours and focused content, this lower-cost programme offers the core of our evidence-based approach in a more accessible format.
Format: 4 weeks, Monday to Wednesday. Psychotherapeutic groups and creative therapies. Includes art, cultural, and somatic therapies.
Post-programme: peer-led support (ongoing).
Postpartum Group: A dedicated group for women navigating mental distress during the early stages of parenthood. This programme offers timely, specialist care in a safe and supportive environment - because no one should have to do it alone. Format: Weekly, 90-minute sessions. Group psychotherapy only. Capped numbers per group. Post-programme: peer-led support (ongoing).
Postpartum Group: A dedicated group for women navigating mental distress during the early stages of parenthood. This programme offers timely, specialist care in a safe and supportive environment - because no one should have to do it alone. Format: Weekly, 90-minute sessions. Group psychotherapy only. Capped numbers per group. Post-programme: peer-led support (ongoing).
- Programme Areas
Maternal mental health or addiction, Mental health
- Programme Type
Maternal counselling and support
- Regions
Wellington, Hutt, Wairarapa
- Age Groups
Adult / Pakeke
- Referral Types
Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services
Referral Process
Please see here for health professional referrals.
Description
Postpartum Group: A dedicated group for women navigating mental distress during the early stages of parenthood. This programme offers timely, specialist care in a safe and supportive environment - because no one should have to do it alone.
Format: Weekly, 90-minute sessions. Group psychotherapy only. Capped numbers per group.
Post-programme: peer-led support (ongoing).
Weekly Continuation Group: For those finishing our six-week programme and needing a bit more time and support, this weekly group helps bridge the gap while longer-term care is being put in place. You don’t have to rush your next step. This group is also open to others seeking ongoing, group-based mental health support - you don’t need to be a programme graduate to join. Format: Weekly, 90-minute sessions. Group psychotherapy only. Capped numbers per group. Post-programme: peer-led support (ongoing).
Weekly Continuation Group: For those finishing our six-week programme and needing a bit more time and support, this weekly group helps bridge the gap while longer-term care is being put in place. You don’t have to rush your next step. This group is also open to others seeking ongoing, group-based mental health support - you don’t need to be a programme graduate to join. Format: Weekly, 90-minute sessions. Group psychotherapy only. Capped numbers per group. Post-programme: peer-led support (ongoing).
- Programme Areas
Maternal mental health or addiction, Mental health
- Programme Type
Counselling and support, Maternal counselling and support
- Regions
Wellington, Hutt, Wairarapa
- Age Groups
Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua
- Referral Types
Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services
Referral Process
Please see here for health professional referrals.
Description
Weekly Continuation Group: For those finishing our six-week programme and needing a bit more time and support, this weekly group helps bridge the gap while longer-term care is being put in place. You don’t have to rush your next step. This group is also open to others seeking ongoing, group-based mental health support - you don’t need to be a programme graduate to join.
Format: Weekly, 90-minute sessions. Group psychotherapy only. Capped numbers per group.
Post-programme: peer-led support (ongoing).
Disability Assistance
Wheelchair access, More space to move around, Quiet, low sensory environment
Additional Details
Face to face / Kanohi ki te Kanohi, LGBTQIA+ friendly
Website
Contact Details
9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Email
Website
Note: access to the Centre is by appointment only.
Street Address
Level 3, James Smith Building, 63 Cuba Street
Te Aro
Wellington
Wellington 6011
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This page was last updated at 2:16PM on June 16, 2025. This information is reviewed and edited by Whakamātūtū / Depression Recovery Trust.