Mental Health & Addictions

Q: What does IPMHA stand for?

Integrated Primary Mental Health & Addictions.

Q: Who can access HIPs and Health Coaches?

Where there is a Health Coach or HIP available, they are available to anyone enrolled in that GP practice.

Free support via your GP Practice, for your mental or physical wellbeing.

Mental Health & Addictions

Free support via your GP practice, for your mental or physical wellbeing.

If you need support with your mental or physical health and well-being, contact a member of our IPMHA team.

You can find Health Improvement Practitioners (HIPs) and Health Coaches at your medical centre. These services are free if you are enrolled with a practice. Call your medical centre to see if a HIP or health coach is available.

What is a Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP)?

A HIP is a trained clinician who works with people of all ages, including your whānau. They help with any issues affecting your physical and mental health.

Appointments with a HIP can be 15-30 minutes, and they focus on what is important to you on the day. In your first session, you will discuss strategies and create a plan to make positive changes.

There are no limits to how often you can see the HIP. They will work with you until you are making progress towards your goals. For some people, it may only take one session, while others may need more.

You can come back and see them again if new issues arise.

What is a Health Coach?

Health Coaches are trained in Health Coaching but are not clinicians. They help you gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to better manage your health. This can include helping you set health goals and supporting you as you work toward them.

They may also help you and your whānau find resources in your community or online to support your social, emotional, and physical well-being. This could include visiting you at home, connecting you to other services like housing, or providing cultural support.

How can I see a HIP or Health Coach?

To make an appointment with an HIP or Health Coach, you must be enrolled in a GP practice. Call your GP or speak to reception to make an appointment.

Sometimes, you may need to see your doctor first, and the normal fee will be charged. Your HIP and Health Coach will work closely with your doctor, but you won’t have to see the doctor or pay before follow-up visits. HIPs have same-day appointments available if you need them.

Two men walking on sand towards ocean with surfboards under their hands - Health Coaches & Mental Health Services

Meet the team

Margie Proposch-Bacon

HIP Team Lead

Mollie Cummins

Health Coach Team Lead

Mollie.Cummins@wboppho.org.nz

IPMHA FAQ's

What does IPMHA stand for?

What is the difference between HIPs and Health Coaches?

HIPS are experienced, trained clinicians who works with people of all ages, with any issues impacting their health and well-being, both physical and mental.

Health Coaches are not clinicians but they are trained in coaching. They can help you and your whānau gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to better manage your health. They can also connect you to community or online services for extra support.

How can I see a HIP or Health Coach?

Phone your GP practice or speak to reception to make an appointment to meet a HIP or a Health Coach. HIPs have same-day appointments available if you need them. In some cases, you may need to see your doctor first, and the normal charge for this will apply. Your HIP and Health Coach will work closely with your doctor, but you won’t have to see the doctor (and pay) before follow-up visits.

Who can access HIPs and Health Coaches?

Other resources

Access & Choice

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If you’re looking for specialised mental health and addiction support, Access & Choice offers targeted resources and guidance. Connect with services tailored to meet your specific needs and enhance your mental health journey.

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Rural Support

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For those in rural communities seeking mental health support, Rural Support Trust provides essential resources and assistance. Access services designed to address the unique challenges faced in rural settings.

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Explore Wellbeing

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Beating the Blues

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Depression and Anxiety NZ

Learn with Depression and Anxiety NZ

For those facing depression or anxiety, Depression and Anxiety NZ offers in-depth resources and support. Benefit from expert advice and tools designed to help you navigate and improve your mental health.

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Mental Health Foundation

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Access expert information and resources from the Mental Health Foundation. This resource provides valuable support to help you understand and improve your mental health with guidance from a leading organisation.

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