Getting help: Eating disorder services in New Zealand

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.

These treatment providers are available nationwide:

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                                       

Specialist Eating Disorder Services

Specialist Clinics are located in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. There should not be a long wait time and if your loved one's illness is severe, you may be referred to a clinic straight away.

Inpatient or residential care, day programmes

Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch all have specialised inpatient facilities for patients who will benefit from this treatment.

What to expect from Eating Disorder services in your region

AUCKLAND

Tupu Ora Eating Disorder Services (previously known as REDS)

Outpatient Care

Covering Auckland, Waitemata, Counties Manukau, Northern Health Boards and the Midland 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 (TOEDS).

TOEDS 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 ph Tupu Ora 09 623 4650.

WELLINGTON

Central Region Eating Disorder Services (CREDS)

Wellington's community-based eating disorder service is run by the Hutt Valley District Health Board. 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

Visit the CREDS website at www.eatingdisorders.org.nz for more information, or get in touch now.

CHRISTCHURCH

South Island Eating Disorder Services

In the South Island, treatment for eating disorders is provided by the Canterbury District Health Board. 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

If you're looking for treatment in the South Island, to find out more you can email eds@cdhb.govt.nz, or contact the eating disorder service Ph 03 337 7707

Southern Support Eating Disorders Services

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. 

Contact Southern Support here or to find out more Ph 0800 328 744

Private Services

Although the public health system provides a range of eating disorder services, some people wish to use private services instead.

Get in touch with EDANZ if you need help finding a private provider in your area. Ph 0800 2 edanz or email info@ed.org.nz

Find a support group in your area

Meeting with people going through the same thing can help. There are support groups run by parents and caregivers in many places. Contact us to find out whether there is a get-together in your area, or if you are interested setting one up.