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Primary Mental Health Intervention Service (PRIMHIS) | Lakes
Public Service, Psychiatry, Mental Health
Today
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Description
PRIMHIS offers brief talking therapies (sometimes called counselling) for people with mild to moderate mental health issues who need some professional support.
Staff
We are a Primary Mental Health talking therapy service consisting of psychologists, nurses and counsellors.
How do I access this service?
Referral
The best way to get a referral is via your GP or HIP (Health Improvement Practitioner). We also receive some referrals from other Hospital or HNZ Services, Primary Health Organisations, Self referrals or NGOs.
Fees and Charges Categorisation
Free, Fees apply
Fees and Charges Description
New Zealand citizens or those who have obtained permanent residence are entitled to publicly funded health care.
Non-residents may be required to pay for their health care.
Click here to read more about eligibility for funded care at Lakes DHB.
Hours
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
| Mon – Fri | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
|---|
For urgent out of hours assistance, please call the Acute Response Team on 0800 166 167.
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: Open 22 Dec — 24 Dec. Closed 25 Dec — 28 Dec. Open 29 Dec — 31 Dec. Closed 1 Jan — 4 Jan. Open 5 Jan — 9 Jan.
Languages Spoken
English
Programmes
What do we do? We use psychological brief interventions often called "Talking Therapies" to help you manage and cope with whatever may be a problem for you. These are specific therapies that can help you problem solve and look at different ways of thinking, feeling and behaving. Where can we see you? at your GP's clinic/surgery other Rotorua community health locations What happens when we see you? We will make contact to arrange an appointment. If you are unable to attend your appointment it is essential that we know. Our service is free and we can see you for up to six sessions. The first session is getting to know you, identify your main concerns and what you would like to get out of meeting with us - your goals. We may also provide education about maintaining and restoring your wellbeing. Everything we talk about is confidential though at times we may (with your consent) liaise with your GP or our team, let them know that we have met and provide them with a summary of your therapy. If there are any safety concerns for you or others we would need to discuss with others. Sometimes we may ask you to complete homework or exercises to build on your coping strategies. Did you know? 1 in 5 New Zealand people suffer from depression at some stage in their lives, anxiety is very close behind. 5% of people are predicted to meet the criteria for a mental health disorder sometime in their life (Te Ra Hinengaro) Talking Therapies can assist in your recovery 'THERE IS NO HEALTH WITHOUT MENTAL HEALTH'
What do we do? We use psychological brief interventions often called "Talking Therapies" to help you manage and cope with whatever may be a problem for you. These are specific therapies that can help you problem solve and look at different ways of thinking, feeling and behaving. Where can we see you? at your GP's clinic/surgery other Rotorua community health locations What happens when we see you? We will make contact to arrange an appointment. If you are unable to attend your appointment it is essential that we know. Our service is free and we can see you for up to six sessions. The first session is getting to know you, identify your main concerns and what you would like to get out of meeting with us - your goals. We may also provide education about maintaining and restoring your wellbeing. Everything we talk about is confidential though at times we may (with your consent) liaise with your GP or our team, let them know that we have met and provide them with a summary of your therapy. If there are any safety concerns for you or others we would need to discuss with others. Sometimes we may ask you to complete homework or exercises to build on your coping strategies. Did you know? 1 in 5 New Zealand people suffer from depression at some stage in their lives, anxiety is very close behind. 5% of people are predicted to meet the criteria for a mental health disorder sometime in their life (Te Ra Hinengaro) Talking Therapies can assist in your recovery 'THERE IS NO HEALTH WITHOUT MENTAL HEALTH'
- Programme Areas
Mental health
- Programme Type
Mental health assessment and treatment
- Regions
Lakes
- Age Groups
Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua
- Referral Types
Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services
Referral Process
Referrals are best made through your GP or the HIP (Health Improvement Practitioner) at your GP practice or at Koiora.
Who do we see?
- People aged 19+ who are struggling with mild to moderate emotional difficulties or mental health concerns.
- People aged 15+ referred via iCAMHS or Youth Primary Mental Health Services.
Description
What do we do?
We use psychological brief interventions often called "Talking Therapies" to help you manage and cope with whatever may be a problem for you. These are specific therapies that can help you problem solve and look at different ways of thinking, feeling and behaving.
Where can we see you?
- at your GP's clinic/surgery
- other Rotorua community health locations
What happens when we see you?
We will make contact to arrange an appointment. If you are unable to attend your appointment it is essential that we know.
Our service is free and we can see you for up to six sessions.
The first session is getting to know you, identify your main concerns and what you would like to get out of meeting with us - your goals.
We may also provide education about maintaining and restoring your wellbeing.
Everything we talk about is confidential though at times we may (with your consent) liaise with your GP or our team, let them know that we have met and provide them with a summary of your therapy.
If there are any safety concerns for you or others we would need to discuss with others.
Sometimes we may ask you to complete homework or exercises to build on your coping strategies.
Did you know?
- 1 in 5 New Zealand people suffer from depression at some stage in their lives, anxiety is very close behind.
- 5% of people are predicted to meet the criteria for a mental health disorder sometime in their life (Te Ra Hinengaro)
- Talking Therapies can assist in your recovery
'THERE IS NO HEALTH WITHOUT MENTAL HEALTH'
Additional Details
Face to face / Kanohi ki te Kanohi
Public Transport
For more information on public transport options, click here.
Parking
For more information on parking at Rotorua Hospital, click here.
Website
Contact Details
Rotorua Hospital
Lakes
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
-
Phone
(07) 349 7971
Email
Website
Corner Arawa Street and Pukeroa Road
Rotorua
New Zealand
Street Address
Corner Arawa Street and Pukeroa Road
Rotorua
New Zealand
Postal Address
Rotorua Hospital
Private Bag 3023
Rotorua Mail Centre
Rotorua 3046
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This page was last updated at 10:19AM on October 29, 2025. This information is reviewed and edited by Primary Mental Health Intervention Service (PRIMHIS) | Lakes.

