The name ‘Piki’ was decided by a group of Rangatahi aged 18-25, some of whom have had mental health issues themselves. The meaning of Piki is to support another and to ascend. In Te Reo Māori, the phrase ‘piki te ora’ is said to someone you wish good health to. Piki is considered to be an energising, youthful and positive term and due to brevity, more memorable, sharable and relatable.
Kia ora, we're here to tautoko you.
What does Piki mean and how did you come up with the name?
I want to see a therapist - where would the sessions take place?
We have Piki therapists based across the greater Wellington Region (Kapiti, Wairarapa, Porirua, Hutt Valley, and Wellington City). We also offer virtual sessions, which has been found to be as effective as face-to-face therapy (A growing wave of online therapy (apa.org)). Session times vary from 30-50mins (initial appointment may be longer).
Covid Protocols
Piki practitioners and peer supporters will be following public health advice around covid precautions, this will include wearing masks, sanitising and ventilating therapy rooms in between sessions, etc. We also offer virtual sessions, which has been found to be as effective as face-to-face therapy (A growing wave of online therapy (apa.org)). You will receive relevant information around public health measures i.e., mask wearing once your appointment has been confirmed. Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)
What is Peer Support and how can I access this?
Peer Support can include meeting in groups or one to one with a Peer Supporter who will also have personal experience themselves of living with mental distress. Peer Support offers a less formal relationship and opportunities for mutual growth and learning. Mind & Body is a local provider of Peer Support. Find out more about Peer Support.
Is there anything that would prevent me from accessing Piki?
This support is only available to individuals aged 18-25 years old who are not currently being supported by Secondary Mental Health Services. If you are currently 25 and will have your birthday soon, we will still accept your referral if you are 25 at the time it is made.
Is Piki available for international students or non-residents?
Piki is only available to NZ citizens or residents and other people who are eligible to receive publicly funded health services, such as students studying in New Zealand under the New Zealand Aid Programme. For detailed information on eligibility for publicly funded health services click here
If you are a student, contact your education provider to find out what other support is available to you.
If you are not a student, contact your general practitioner to find out what support is available to you.
For further information on accessing health services in NZ, click here
If you are a student, contact your education provider to find out what other support is available to you.
If you are not a student, contact your general practitioner to find out what support is available to you.
For further information on accessing health services in NZ, click here
What does mild to moderate distress mean?
Mental health, much like physical health, encompasses a range of issues. Some types of distress are appropriate for Piki, while others would be better served by a different level of care. Talk with one of our trained clinicians, who can help determine the correct level of care for you.
How do I refer myself to Piki?
Please click on the get support button on the homepage of this website and follow the instructions. You can also be referred by your GP, other health providers and other agencies who can help to refer you via this website too.
I’m concerned about someone I know, but where do I start?
Please visit our support page, and check out the links under 'for someone else'.
How many sessions of face to face counselling will I get?
Piki provides multiple sessions of face to face counselling, depending on need. We expect that most Rangatahi will only want to remain engaged for a small number of sessions, but the door is open if they want to re-engage at any stage.
Will what I say to my therapist stay between us, or will they tell someone else?
Under New Zealand law the therapist may be required to share information in some circumstances. This would occur if the therapist was concerned that you were at risk of harming yourself, you were at risk of harm from someone else or you were at risk of harming someone else. The therapist will always try to discuss with you if they are going to do this.
You will also be asked to complete questionnaires (which your therapist will tell you about in your first session) and the information you give will be shared anonymously with the evaluation team to help improve the service we are developing - the evaluation team will not know this information relates to you as an individual.
What paperwork will I be asked to fill out?
In the first and subsequent sessions, your therapist will sit with you and talk through all the paperwork you will be asked to complete.
Can I change my mind at any point if I don’t wish to continue therapy or would like to change therapists?
Yes, if you change your mind or decide you are not ready then that is completely fine.
How do I provide feedback about Piki?
We welcome your feedback about any aspect of your experience with Piki. Please click on the ‘feedback’ button on the right hand-side of the page to get in touch
Feedback Form
We welcome your feedback about any aspect of your experience with Piki.
Piki aims to strengthen existing services by expanding access options and broadening the range of therapies available for Rangatahi.
