Frequently Asked Questions
Of course you have questions - we’ve done our best to anticipate these and give you the answers you need
what if i am feeling overwhelmed right now, and can’t wait?
Access Wellbeing does not provide immediate help. If you are feeling overwhelmed right now, and need to speak with someone then you can text or call 1737 which is a national telephone service staffed by trained counsellors. Alternatively you can contact:
Lifeline: 0800 543354
Anxiety Helpline: 0800 269 4389
In an emergency then please dial 111.
What happens in my first session?
In the first session you will meet your therapist and discuss confidentiality and the reasons you are seeking help. You with have a conversation with them about what has been happening currently and in the past that may have affected you, both negatively and positively. You will be asked about your family and relationships, and about other aspects of your health and wellbeing. The first appointment is about ensuring you are both on the same page and you feel you are being understood. Your therapist may ask you a broad range of questions to get to know you better and because they are trying to understand the best way to help you and work together. You and your therapist will agree on what goals you have, and what problems you are targeting.
What is a mental health support programme?
Access Wellbeing has linked in with your employer to offer a package of mental health support for you, the employee. You can access up to four sessions with a registered psychologist, who will help you work on the life problem you are experiencing. Using evidence from research, therapy will help move you towards your goals.
what is a psychologist/therapist and what do they do?
A psychologist works with people to assess, or assist with problems affecting thoughts or mind processes, feelings, and behaviour. A Clinical Psychologist has trained for 6-7 years, and has learned particular models of therapy which have been demonstrated from research to be effective in helping people improve their lives.
will my sessions be confidential?
Your right to privacy is protected under the NZ Privacy Act, 1993. All Psychologists who are registered and practicing in New Zealand adhere to a Code of Ethics, which ensures that the information you share with your psychologist cannot be given to any other party without your consent. The exception to this, is if your Psychologist thinks that you are at serious risk of harm from another person, or if you are likely to hurt yourself or someone else. In those cases, your Psychologist has an obligation to prevent harm occurring, and may decide to inform an appropriate person, service or agency, with or without your consent.
When you self-refer, your employer will not know you are seeking support from our service. We allocate each new referral with a unique code, which is used when invoicing the organisation.
is there a limit to the number of sessions i can have?
Your employer will fund up to four 1-hour psychology sessions. If you need more ongoing support, some employers may agree to an extension, or alternatively you may elect to self-fund the sessions. If you are unable to afford to continue with sessions, then your psychologist will help with a plan and together you may agree to another referral being made to another service.
How long are the sessions?
Each session is 60 minutes.
What if I don’t like my therapist?
We understand that it is important you feel comfortable with your therapist. We do our best to match you up with a clinician who you will get along with, however, sometimes it just doesn’t work out and that is noone’s fault. If you do not like your therapist, then you can simply email info@accesswellbeing.co.nz and request a change of clinician. We will do our best to arrange a new appointment for you within a reasonable timeframe.
What if I change my mind?
You can change your mind at any time. Your employer will be charged a cancellation fee if you change your mind within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment, and they will be charged the full session fee if you do not show up. Not showing up to sessions without any notice, may affect your ability to book future sessions.
What if I don’t need four sessions?
If you don’t need four sessions, then you will still have access to your remaining sessions at anytime in that year.
Will I be seen during work time or out of work hours?
This depends on the clinician you are matched up with, and what hours they have available. Some clinicians do work evenings or weekends, although it is more common that you will be seen during normal business hours. This can be discussed directly with your psychologist via email. Your employer may agree to you having time off work during the day for this appointment, however they may then need to know you are engaging with this service. Alternatively, you can apply for leave (unpaid, annual, sick) to attend your appointments.
What happens to my notes?
Your therapist will keep notes of the session, and will let you know about how they store this information. Legally, therapists need to keep brief notes for ten years.
Who pays for the sessions?
Your employer will be charged for your sessions. No names or identifiers will be disclosed to your employer. Your unique client code will be noted on the invoice.