What is a Clinical Psychologist?
Clinical Psychologists train for a minimum of 7 years at university and are able to assess, diagnose and treat people with mental health issues and psychological difficulties.
Clinical Psychologists specialise in learning about how people's feelings, actions, beliefs, and experiences affect the way they live and to help people make changes in their life. Clinical Psychologists base therapy approaches on scientific evidence.
Practicing Clinical Psychologists are registered with the New Zealand Psychologist's Board.
What is a Psychiatrist?
A Psychiatrist is a medically trained doctor who has also completed 5 years further training, specialising in mental health.
They specialise in assessment and management of mental health issues and often work in collaboration with other mental health professionals.
Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication and do therapy.
What are the current wait times?
We are currently
unable to accept any
new psychiatry referrals.
Current wait times for
new psychology initial appointments are
2 - 3 weeks
Please note we are unable to accept new referrals for adult ADHD assessments.
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What type of therapy do we practice?
Cognitive Behavior Therapy is a time-limited, talking therapy for mental health problems. It has been extensively researched and found to be a highly effective talking treatment. It is a collaborative approach which means you work with your clinician to develop goals and to gain a joint understanding of your problems. The primary focus of CBT is to understand what is maintaining a problem in the "here and now" by looking at how we think, feel and behave.
More recent CBT approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Metacognitive Therapy (MCT).
ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY (ACT)
ACT is a behaviorally-oriented therapeutic approach that works with how a person relates and responds to their internal experiences (i.e., thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and urges) in order to reduce suffering and to more fully engage in values-based behaviors.
DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY (DBT)
DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy effective in treating intense emotional reactions and relationship difficulties.
MINDFULNESS-BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY (MBCT)
Through the practice and application of meditation people learn to cultivate a more mindful approach to experiencing difficult thoughts and emotions in order to develop healthier behavioral patterns.
METACOGNITIVE THERAPY (MCT)
Metacognitive therapy is shares similarities with the more traditional Cognitive Therapy, but rather than focusing on the content of thought the emphasis is on exploring a person’s thoughts and beliefs surrounding the content of their thoughts (i.e., metacognitions).
What are our fees?
Psychiatry
Initial assessment up to 90 minutes $460
60 Minute follow up $280
30 Minute follow up $160
All our psychiatrists are affiliated with Southern Cross. We are able to apply for funding on your behalf prior to appointment once we have your membership number.
Psychology
50 minute consultation $185
All fees are inclusive of GST
What are the terms of payment?
Unless otherwise agreed, payment is due at the time of your appointment.
Payments are accepted in the form of EftPos, credit card (excluding Amex) or cash. On-line payments are possible with prior arrangement.
Where it is agreed that payment need not be made at the time of your appointment, an administration fee of $10 may be added.
Please note Christchurch PsychMed may withhold further provision of services where there is an outstanding amount due.
Overdue accounts may incur an additional fee. Unpaid accounts will be passed to our debt collection agency and you will be liable for any collection fees incurred
Late cancellation policy
Appointments that are unattended or cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged for. This fee is generally the cost of the appointment.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
To see a psychiatrist, a referral from your GP is required even if you have been a client/patient with any other provider.
To see a clinical psychologist a referral is not essential but is always helpful.
Please note that it may take up to 2 weeks from the time your referral is received or from your initial enquiry until you are contacted regarding an appointment date.
Who should I contact in a crisis?
As we are not an emergency service your first point of contact should be
The Crisis Resolution Team who provide 24 hour emergency and after hours psychiatric care. Their contact is
0800 920 092.
For non-urgent afterhours support, we suggest you contact the 1737 helpline. Other support information can be found at the Mental Health Helpline here.
How many times would I need to be seen?
This varies for each person depending on individual situations. During your initial appointment a treatment plan will be discussed and this could include an estimate of how many sessions may be required and how often you may need to attend.
Parking at the Christchurch PsychMed Clinic
Parking is available on site at the rear of our building
