29 February 2008
Psychologists Support Access to Non-Drug Therapies for Depression
The New Zealand Psychological Society welcomes the announcement that psychological therapies will be available free
through primary health care organisations (PHO’s) as announced by the Ministry of Health on Thursday.
Speaking in Wellington today, Dr Ray Nairn, President of the New Zealand Psychological Society said “Clinical
Psychologists are leading professionals in providing cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression, anxiety, and
other psychological problems. Unfortunately, at present, clinical psychologists’ services are not widely subsidised in
primary health care settings. This means that access to effective non drug therapies is severely restricted.”
Dr Nairn said that the New Zealand Psychological Society looked forward to working with the Ministry of Health and other
interested groups in meeting the challenges that will be faced before all New Zealanders with depression can access
free, effective psychological therapies such as CBT in primary health care.
ENDS