“In the past this group used to be called the ‘worried well’ but these worries are becoming signifiant now.” South Coast Psychology offers private and ACC-funded therapy throughout New Zealand, with 60 psychologists, counsellors, and social workers. All of them were fully booked, she said. Gillespie had just hired two more staff and expected their caseloads to be full within a few weeks.
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The number for New Zealand s national mental health and addictions helpline. The 4-digit number is free to text or call anytime to talk with a trained counsellor. Gore Counselling Centre general counsellor Louisa Brand said the service generally managed a waiting list, but had been working with a backlog since reopening after the lockdown.