Community & Outpatient Services

What are the hours of service?

All community and outpatient services are provided from Monday to Friday, between 8am and 4:30pm.

Can I be seen at home?

In some situations Therapy and Social Work services may be provided in your own home. Community-based services are provided when:

You are physically or medically unable to leave your home.
In the therapist or social worker’s opinion, the assessment or intervention needs to occur in your own home. An example of this might be when you are being assessed for support equipment where the therapist needs to observe you with it in your home before making recommendations.

How can I get referred to a Therapist or Social Worker?

It is preferred that you ask your doctor or health professional to refer you to the Therapies Service. If you have recently been in hospital, this should be organised for you. However you are able to refer yourself or a family member to the Therapies Service for an assessment. For contact details, see the Contact us section.

Please note there are some restrictions placed on the range of services we can provide. For example, we may decline a referral where other health professionals are funded to provide the services you require. In these situations we will inform you who you need to contact and how to contact them. In the event that your referral is declined we will discuss this with you, provide explanations and/or other options for you to consider.

Will my family/whanau be involved in the service?

We recognise the importance of family/whanau in wellness and recovery from ill health. You are welcome to invite family/whanau to participate in your assessments and therapy sessions. Depending on what is appropriate and agreed on between the clinician and client, family/whanau members can be involved in the services provided.

What is the cost of the service?

All services are fully subsidised for all New Zealand citizens and New Zealand residents. There is however eligibility criteria for the issuing of equipment associated with your therapy.

How do I cancel an appointment?

If you are unable to attend an appointment please contact your therapist or the department receptionist to let them know you wish to cancel or re-book.