Eating Disorder Public Services

In New Zealand, Eating Disorder treatment is provided by a range of providers – public, private, specialist and general, in-patient or day based. Finding the right treatment for your child or loved one usually starts with a visit to a GP. They will be able to refer you to the appropriate service, and treatment will follow from there.

Below is a directory of public Eating Disorder Services in New Zealand.

We have provided a list of questions to consider when choosing care providers on our Getting Help page.

Community Mental Health Services

This is the first level of Eating Disorder treatment in some centres. In others you will be referred directly to the Eating Disorder Service. You will need a referral from a GP to get an appointment, but you can phone the community health team to find out more about timing and treatment options. If you're very concerned about your loved one, call the crisis line for immediate assistance.

Crisis 24-Hour Answer Services – 0800 800 717                                       

Regional Eating Disorder Services 

AUCKLAND

Tupu Ora Eating Disorder Services  – 09 623 4650

Outpatient Care
Covering the greater Auckland region, Tupu Ora Eating Disorder Services (TOEDS) operates out of Greenlane Hospital in Auckland. After your loved one is assessed by your local Community Mental Health Centre, they may be referred to Tupu Ora Eating Disorder Services.

Tupu Ora services include:

• Individual therapy
• Family therapy
• Nutritional advice and meal planning with a dietician
• Supporting families to use the Maudsley approach for younger children
• A six-month group therapy programme for people with Bulimia. 

Inpatient Care
For some patients, day programmes and outpatient care may not be appropriate. Patients with medical issues caused by their eating disorder may need to be admitted for more intensive treatment.

Patients under 16 will usually be admitted to Starship Hospital. This facility has dedicated beds for people with eating disorders, and provides intense specialist treatment. Once your loved one's condition improves, they will be discharged to participate in the Tupu Ora Eating Disorder Services Outpatient programme.

People over 16 will be admitted to the Tupu Ora Residential and Day Clinic (previously THRIVE) in Parnell, Auckland. This clinic offers nine dedicated beds for residential care and an intensive day programme.

To find out more about in-patient care phone Tupu Ora on 09 623 4650.

MIDLANDS (Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Lakes, Tairāwhiti)

Waikato Specialist Eating Disorder Service (SEDS) – 07 834 6902

sedsmonitoring@waikatodhb.health.nz

In the Waikato, treatment for eating disorders is provided by Specialist Eating Disorders Service. The service operates out of adult mental health and addictions (Te Kuuwaha o te Waiora) building at Gate 10 Waikato University, 135C Silverdale Road, Hamilton. This service liaises with rural and ICAMHS Waikato, and other Te Manawa Taki regions (Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Taranaki, and Tairāwhiti) to provide support as needed.

Services include:

• Outpatient treatment including therapy and dietetic support 
• Treatment from an interdisciplinary specialist team of psychiatrists, psychologists and intern psychologists, nurses, dieticians, social workers and occupational therapists.
• Community based intensive support from support workers and peer support workers
• Information and support for family members and carers
• Consultation, liaison and training for health professionals
• Education programmes for primary care, tertiary institutions and community groups

Inpatient care is provided in paediatric and adult medical beds at Waikato hospital supported by the consult liaison team.

– 07 834 6902

Ask to speak to someone in SEDS (the number is for the adult mental health reception). SEDS clinicians will put whānau or whaiora in touch with eating disorder liaison clinicians in their local area – rural Waikato (Coromandel, Taumaranui, Tokoroa, Te Awamutu), Bay of Plenty Tauranga, Whakatane), Taranaki, Lakes (Rotorua and Taupo) and Tairāwhiti.

WELLINGTON

Central Region Eating Disorder Services (CREDS) – 04 587 2957 
creds@mhaids.health.nz
http://www.mhaids.health.nz/our-services/central-region-eating-disorder-services-creds
Wellington's community-based eating disorder service is run by the Te Whatu Ora Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley. The service is known as CREDS (Central Region Eating Disorder Service) and provides a range of treatment and support services for people with eating disorders and their families.

These services include:

• Treatment options such as diet support, counselling, and residential care
• Information and support for family members and carers
• Consultation, liaison and training for health professionals
• Education and prevention programme for schools and community groups
• A residential treatment facility with 6 dedicated beds
  
  

CHRISTCHURCH

South Island Eating Disorder Services (SIEDS) – 0800 335 4159 or 03 335 4159 
SIEDS@cdhb.health.nz
In the South Island, treatment for eating disorders is provided by Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury. The service operates out of Princess Margaret Hospital in Christchurch. This service liaises with other South Island health Boards to provide treatment as needed.

Services include:

• Outpatient treatment including therapy, diet support and meal planning
• Inpatient treatment in their 6 bed facility
• Treatment from a specialist team of psychiatrists, psychologists, dieticians, social workers and occupational therapists
  
  

OTAGO

Southern Support Eating Disorder Services – 0800 328 744 or 03 476 6052  
Dunedin, Waitaki, Otago, Central Otago, and Invercargill
sseds@ashburn.co.nz
This community-based service is located in Otago, providing free advice to anyone with questions or concerns about potential eating disorders. Southern Support will also give you a consultation in person, which will usually be held at your GP's office.