Mental Health Assist
Mental Health Assist is designed to break down barriers by providing fast, comprehensive and confidential access to a team of mental health professionals.
Mental Health Assist is part of the Accuro Virtual Clinic, powered by Teladoc Health.
— Shane, Accuro memberI felt such relief after the FIRST call. The team was a lifeline. I want everyone who is having problems to know about the Mental Health Assist service—this has been life-changing for me.
What is Mental Health Assist?
If you or a loved one are facing struggles with your mental health, the Mental Health Assist service can help.
Taking action to get help can be complicated due to time, cost and availability of mental health professionals - that's why Accuro provides Mental Health Assist to policyholders with a Specialist plan, at no extra cost. The service is designed to break down barriers by providing fast, comprehensive and confidential access to a team of mental health professionals. Whether this is your first time seeking mental health support or you already have a diagnosis and treatment plan, Mental Health Assist can help.
Accuro have the only health insurance policies in New Zealand that offer this service.
The service will connect you to a team of health professionals including a nurse, psychologist and psychiatrist. This team will review your condition, make a diagnosis or review an existing diagnosis and treatment plan and make recommendations for future steps. The mental health nurse will continue to support you once you have completed the process.
You can expect a consultation within 10 days.
The Mental Health Assist service doesn’t include follow up visits to psychologists or psychiatrists but mental health consultations are a benefit on all Accuro Specialist plans.
When to use Mental Health Assist?
- you are feeling a little overwhelmed and unable to cope as you normally would
- you are struggling with stress, anxiety or depression
- you are unsure about a diagnosis for a mental health condition
- you don't have a treatment plan but have been diagnosed with a mental health condition
- you have a mental health issue but have not seen a mental health professional
Mental Health Assist should not be used for acute situations
If you are concerned about the immediate safety of yourself or a loved one, you should call 111 or one of the helplines listed at the bottom of this page.
Who is eligible to use Mental Health Assist?
- Accuro policies with a Hospital and Surgical plan and the Specialist add on plan.*
- You must be over 18 years of age. This service is not designed for under 18s.
- You can use Mental Health Assist regardless of any exclusions on your policy.
How does Mental Health Assist work?
Step 1 - Start a case
When you call the 0800 number, one of our mental health nurses who will talk with you by phone and again through video call a few days later to further understand what you are going through.
Step 2 – Collect information
The team will gather your medical history and complete a clinical summary before matching you with the right team of experts.
Step 3 – Expert review
Your assigned expert team, consisting of a leading NZ registered psychiatrist and/or psychologist, will meet with you by video call to assess your condition. You can expect to have this consultation within 10 days.
Step 4 – Report and support
Your mental health nurse will follow up with a call to discuss the expert’s findings and provide a detailed report outlining your diagnosis and recommended treatment options. They will help guide you into the recommended treatment plan and provide ongoing support for the six months following your consultation.
Independent and Confidential
The Mental Health Assist service is provided by Teladoc Health. This allows for your information to remain private and confidential. Accuro will never see this report nor know that you have accessed the service unless you choose to share this information with us.
Get Started
Call Mental Health Assist now on 0800 425 005 to start the conversation.
Or visit the Virtual Clinic for more information.
Where to find additional help and support
If you are concerned about the immediate health and safety of yourself or a loved one, call 111.
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865
*Hospital and Surgical plans are by default on the following Accuro products: SmartCare, SmartCare+, StaffCare, StaffCare+, KidSmart, SmartStay, Major Medical Plan, Real Value Plan.
The Specialist plan is an add on plan that is not selected by default on your policy. If you don't have the Specialist plan - you can contact us at info@accuro.co.nz to have it added and gain fast access to Mental Health Assist.
To check what plans you have on your policy, see your policy certificate or login to the online Accuro member portal.
Active Benefits
Active benefits are about providing our members with access to benefits, resources and services that support them and their family's health and wellbeing.
