ADHD & Mental Health · New Zealand
ADHD & Mental Health.
Faster access. Affordable options. Available nationwide.
MSQ Health connects patients with NZ-vocationally registered psychiatrists and experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners, supported by rTMS and HBOT where appropriate. We provide mental health and ADHD assessment pathways for adults, children, and adolescents across New Zealand, with telehealth, weekend appointments, insurance options, and lower-cost choices for self-paying patients.
NZ-Vocationally Registered Psychiatrists
Southern Cross, NIB & UniMed Accepted
Adults & Children
Weekend Sessions Available
Telehealth Nationwide
Start Your Enquiry
Submit your details — our providers will review your information and come back to you with the right pathway and a proposed appointment.
NZ-Vocationally Registered Psychiatrists
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Available
Weekend Sessions Available
Telehealth Nationwide
Southern Cross Easy-Claim
Insurance, Cards, & POLi Accepted
Why Faster Access Matters
Mental health care should not take months to access. Across New Zealand, many people face long waits for specialist assessment and treatment. MSQ Health provides another pathway – timely access to qualified mental health clinicians, with transparent fees, insurance options, weekend appointments, and lower-cost alternatives for patients paying for their own care.
6+ mo
Typical public wait for a specialist psychiatric assessment in many NZ regions
Weeks
Typical time to your first MSQ Health appointment — for both adults and children
Weekend
Sessions available — see a specialist without taking time off work
Adult & Child
MSQ has specialists to help all age groups
How it works
From Enquiry to Appointment — What to Expect
MSQ Health works differently from a standard GP referral pathway. Our providers review your information before confirming your appointment — ensuring the right match from the start.
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1. Submit Your Enquiry
Complete the enquiry form with your details, what you need help with, and your GP referral. Takes about 2 minutes.
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2. Provider Review
Our clinical providers review your information and assess the most appropriate clinician and pathway for your situation.
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3. We Come Back to You
Our team contacts you within 1 business day to confirm the proposed appointment, clinician type, timing, and fee.
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4. Appointment Confirmed
You confirm the booking. A reminder with all details — including your video link if telehealth — is sent before your appointment.
Why do providers review first? Mental health is complex. Taking a moment to match you to the right clinician — rather than the first available slot — means your first appointment is more productive and your overall care is better. It also allows us to confirm whether a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner is the right fit for your situation and payment method.
Our Clinicians
Psychiatrists & Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners — Understanding Your Options
MSQ Health offers access to two types of specialist mental health clinicians. Both provide high-quality care and similar outcomes. The key differences relate to insurance cover and cost — understanding this upfront helps you make the right choice for your situation.
Psychiatrist
NZ-Vocationally Registered Specialist Psychiatrist
✓ Accepted by Southern Cross & major insurers
MSQ Health's psychiatrists are NZ-vocationally registered — meaning they hold the highest level of specialist psychiatric qualification in New Zealand and are on the Medical Council's vocational register. They are the appropriate choice for insurance-funded care and complex presentations.
- Vocationally registered Doctor with the Medical Council of NZ
- Accepted by Southern Cross, NIB, and UniMed
- Higher fee — partially or fully covered by insurance for eligible patients
- Full prescribing rights across all psychiatric medications
- Evidence shows comparable outcomes to NPN for most presentations
- Appropriate for complex, treatment-resistant, or co-occurring conditions
- Required for certain diagnoses and specialist reports
Southern Cross Easy-Claim processed on the spot for eligible appointments
Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
🔜 Self-paying patients · More available · Lower cost
Psychiatric nurse practitioners are highly experienced advanced practice nurses with specialist mental health training and full prescribing rights. They are not currently accepted by health insurance companies in New Zealand — but for self-paying patients, they offer a genuinely excellent alternative with greater availability and lower cost.
- NP (Nurse Practitioner) Registration with Nursing Council of NZ
- Not accepted by Southern Cross, NIB, or UniMed
- Significantly lower fee than a psychiatrist
- Full prescribing rights across all psychiatric medications
- Evidence shows comparable outcomes to psychiatrists for most presentations
- Greater appointment availability — including more weekend sessions
- Ideal for self-paying patients managing cost
Recommended for self-paying patients seeking accessible, high-quality care at a lower cost
Not sure which is right for you? Tell us on your enquiry form whether you have health insurance or are self-paying. Our team will recommend the most appropriate clinician type for your situation — you don't need to figure this out yourself.
Conditions
Mental Health Conditions — What We See
MSQ Health sees patients across the full spectrum of adult and child mental health conditions. Because presentations vary greatly, our providers review each enquiry individually and advise on the most appropriate treatment pathway. We are honest about where our services are a strong fit — and where other providers may be better placed alongside us.
A note on what we provide: MSQ Health offers psychiatric assessment & medication management, rTMS, and HBOT. We do not provide counselling or psychology. Many conditions benefit from a combination — we will always tell you if psychology is important alongside our services, and can assist with finding the right pathway.
🎯 ADHD
Our most common referral for both adults and children. Comprehensive psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing medication management. Adults, children, and adolescents all seen.
✓ Full service — assessment, diagnosis & treatment
🌧️ Depression
Psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, medication management, and rTMS for treatment-resistant depression. Psychology is often valuable alongside — we’ll advise where it would help.
✓ Psychiatry + rTMS available
❤️ 💭 Anxiety Disorders
Assessment and medication management for generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder and related conditions. rTMS is also available as an adjunct. Psychology recommended alongside.
✓ Psychiatry + rTMS available
🔄 OCD
Psychiatric assessment and medication management. OCD typically benefits significantly from specialist psychological therapy (ERP) alongside medication — we’ll discuss the full picture with you.
~ Psychiatry available · Psychology also important
🛡️ PTSD
Trauma-informed psychiatric assessment and medication management. PTSD almost always benefits from trauma-focused psychological therapy alongside psychiatric care. We are honest about this.
~ Psychiatry available · Psychology also important
🧩 Personality Disorders
Experienced psychiatric assessment and diagnosis. Medication can play a supportive role. Specialist psychological therapy is central for most personality disorders — our psychiatrists will work with your broader care team.
~ Psychiatry available · Psychology also important
Not sure which condition best describes what you're experiencing? That's fine — mental health presentations often overlap. Submit an enquiry and describe what's happening for you. Our providers will review your information and advise on the right pathway.
Our Treatment Modalities
What MSQ Health Provides
MSQ Health offers three specialist treatment modalities. Each has its own evidence base, strengths, and appropriate patient profile. Our providers will discuss which is most appropriate for your situation.
Rx
Psychiatric Services
Psychiatrists & Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
Our core mental health service. Assessment, diagnosis, and medication management by NZ-vocationally registered psychiatrists (Southern Cross accepted) and experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners (self-paying patients, lower cost, greater availability).
- Comprehensive assessment and diagnosis
- Medication prescription and ongoing management
- ADHD assessment — adults, children, adolescents
- Telehealth nationwide or in-clinic Auckland / Wellington
- Weekend sessions available
- GP referral required
rTMS
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Drug-free · Clinically proven
A non-invasive, drug-free brain stimulation therapy. Uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate brain regions involved in mood, attention, and executive function. Clinically proven for depression — particularly where medication alone has not been fully effective.
- Clinically proven for treatment-resistant depression
- Evidence base for anxiety and OCD
- Drug-free — no systemic side effects
- In-clinic sessions over several weeks
- No anaesthetic, no downtime
HBOT
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Adjunct therapy · Neuroinflammation
HBOT increases oxygen delivery to the brain, reducing neuroinflammation and supporting neuroplasticity. Used as a complementary therapy alongside psychiatric care — particularly for Long COVID-related mental health, brain injury, and where neuroinflammation may be a driver.
- Reduces neuroinflammation — a driver of depression and brain fog
- Adjunct alongside psychiatry and rTMS
- Drug-free, no systemic side effects
- Sit-down chamber, 2 atmospheres
- 40–60 sessions for full benefit
Counselling and psychology — including CBT, DBT, EMDR, and trauma therapy — are not provided by MSQ Health. These are valuable and often essential. Your psychiatrist or nurse practitioner will advise where psychological therapy is important alongside our services and can assist with referrals.
"Mental health care shouldn't take months to access. We've built our service so that the right clinician sees you in weeks — not on a waiting list."
MSQ Health · Part of the SEQURE Group
About MSQ Mental Health
Built for Access, Quality, and Affordability
MSQ Health is part of the SEQURE Group — with nearly a decade of coordinating specialist healthcare delivery for Health New Zealand. Our mental health service is built on that infrastructure: national specialist access, weekend sessions, and a two-tier clinician model that makes quality care genuinely accessible regardless of budget.
We operate differently from traditional private psychiatry practices. Our providers review enquiries before appointments are confirmed. We offer weekend sessions. We offer nurse practitioners for self-paying patients. And we’re honest about the full picture of treatment — including where other services are needed alongside ours.
- NZ-vocationally registered psychiatrists — accepted by Southern Cross
- Psychiatric nurse practitioners — lower cost, strong outcomes for suitable self-paying patients
- Weekend sessions available across our services
- Telehealth nationwide · Auckland and Wellington in-clinic
- Adults and children / adolescents
- rTMS and HBOT as adjunct treatment options
- GP referral required — continuity of care maintained
Why Treatment Matters
How Treatment Transforms Life with ADHD
With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, people with ADHD often describe it as “life-changing.” Research consistently shows significant improvements across all areas of life.
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70%
Reduced Symptoms
of patients experience significant symptom reduction with appropriate medication management
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2x
Work Performance
improvement in task completion and productivity reported following structured treatment
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60%
Better Relationships
of adults report improved relationships with partners and family after beginning treatment
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80%
Quality of Life
of patients with treated ADHD report meaningful improvement in overall quality of life
📋 Initial Assessment Available via Telehealth
Your first consultation — to discuss your ADHD symptoms, and which treatemnt is the best fit for you — can be done via telehealth. This saves you a trip before your in-clinic examination..
Am I Eligible?
Evidence-Based ADHD Treatments
Effective ADHD management typically combines several approaches tailored to the individual. MSQ Health’s psychiatrists design personalised plans drawing on the best available evidence.
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Medication Management
Stimulant and non-stimulant medications remain the most effective clinical tool for managing core ADHD symptoms when prescribed and monitored by a qualified psychiatrist.
- Stimulant medications (methylphenidate, amphetamine-based)
- Non-stimulant alternatives for those who need them
- Regular review and dose optimisation
- Managed alongside any co-occurring conditions
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Psychological Therapies
Structured psychological support helps build the executive function skills ADHD makes difficult — complementing medication and producing lasting behavioural change.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for ADHD
- Behavioural strategies and habit formation
- Parent training programs for children
- Coaching for time management and organisation
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Neuromodulation & Adjunct Therapies
For suitable patients, advanced treatments like rTMS and HBOT offer additional pathways — particularly where medication alone isn’t fully effective or tolerated.
- Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
- Lifestyle optimisation (sleep, exercise, nutrition)
- Mindfulness-based interventions
Locations
Where to Access MSQ Mental Health Services
Telehealth is available to all patients anywhere in New Zealand. In-clinic appointments in Auckland and Wellington. Weekend sessions available at most locations.
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Auckland
In-clinic · Weekdays & Saturdays
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Wellington
In-clinic · Weekdays & Saturdays
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More Cities
Additional clinic locations coming
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Nationwide
Telehealth for all NZ patients
🌐 Telehealth - Anywhere in New Zealand
MSQ Health’s psychiatrists and nurse practitioners can see you via secure telehealth from anywhere in New Zealand — from Northland to Southland. Same clinical quality as in-person. Weekend telehealth sessions also available.
Why Choose MSQ Health
Why Patients Choose MSQ Health for Mental Health Services
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NZ-Registered Psychiatrists
All MSQ Health psychiatrists are NZ-vocationally registered — the highest level of psychiatric qualification in New Zealand, and accepted by Southern Cross and major health insurers.
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Weekend Sessions Available
MSQ Health offers Saturday sessions across our services — so you can access specialist mental health care without taking leave from work. Ask our team about current weekend availability.
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Nurse Practitioners for Self-Payers
Not covered by insurance? Our psychiatric nurse practitioners offer comparable outcomes to psychiatrists at a significantly lower fee — with greater availability, including more weekend sessions.
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Three Treatment Modalities
Psychiatry, rTMS, and HBOT — available under one roof. If medication alone isn’t achieving the best result, we can discuss rTMS or HBOT without starting from scratch elsewhere.
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Southern Cross Easy-Claim
MSQ Health is an approved Southern Cross Easy-Claim provider. We process your claim at your appointment — no forms, no chasing reimbursement.
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Honest About Fit
We tell you clearly what we provide and what we don’t. If counselling or psychology is important for your situation, we’ll say so — and help you find the right pathway alongside our services.
Patient Reviews
What Our Patients Say
4.9 / 5
Based on verified patient reviews
“After years of being told I just needed to ‘try harder’, I finally have an ADHD diagnosis and medication that works. The psychiatrist was thorough and compassionate. Southern Cross covered most of the cost — I didn’t have to fill in a single form.”
Sarah M.
Adult ADHD Assessment · Auckland · Southern Cross
“I couldn’t afford a psychiatrist but someone suggested asking about the nurse practitioner option. Same quality, much more affordable, and I got a Saturday appointment which meant I didn’t have to take time off work. Genuinely couldn’t have been better.”
James T.
Depression · Wellington · Self-paying · Nurse Practitioner
“We’d been on a CAMHS waitlist for 8 months for our son. MSQ Health had us in within three weeks. The assessment was detailed, the psychiatrist took time to explain everything clearly to both us and our son. Worth every cent and I wish we’d done it sooner.”
Aroha & David T.
Child ADHD Assessment · Wellington
Common Questions
Mental Health at MSQ Health — Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we hear most often — answered honestly.
Do I need a GP referral?
Yes — a GP referral is required before your first appointment. This ensures your GP is kept informed and that continuity of care is maintained between your primary care provider and our specialist team. If you don’t have a current GP referral, contact us and we can advise on how to get one quickly.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
Both provide high-quality psychiatric assessment and medication management, and evidence shows they deliver comparable outcomes for most presentations.
The key differences are:
• Psychiatrists are NZ-vocationally registered medical doctors. They are accepted by Southern Cross, NIB, and UniMed insurance, and are appropriate for complex presentations and specialist reports.
• Psychiatric nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses with full prescribing rights. They are not currently accepted by health insurers in New Zealand, but offer the same standard of care at a significantly lower fee with greater appointment availability — including more weekend sessions.
If you have health insurance, a psychiatrist is likely the right choice. If you are self-paying, a nurse practitioner is worth considering seriously.
Is Southern Cross accepted? What about NIB and UniMed?
Yes — MSQ Health is an approved Southern Cross Easy-Claim provider for psychiatric services. We process your eligible claim directly at your appointment. NIB and UniMed are also accepted for appointments with our vocationally registered psychiatrists. Health insurance does not cover psychiatric nurse practitioner appointments — these are self-pay only. We recommend confirming your specific mental health cover with your insurer before your appointment.
Are weekend appointments available?
Yes — MSQ Health offers Saturday sessions across our mental health services. This is a deliberate part of our model — we believe accessible healthcare includes not requiring patients to take time off work to see a specialist. Weekend availability varies by clinician and location. Our team will advise on current Saturday availability when you enquire.
Why do providers review my enquiry before confirming an appointment?
Mental health is complex — matching you to the right clinician from the start makes your first appointment more productive and your overall care better. Our providers review your information to confirm the most appropriate clinician type (psychiatrist or nurse practitioner), the right appointment format (telehealth or in-clinic), and whether any additional information is needed before your consultation. This usually takes less than 1 business day.
Do you provide counselling or psychology?
No — MSQ Health does not provide counselling or psychological therapies (such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, or trauma therapy). These are valuable treatments and we are honest about when they are important. If psychological therapy is central to your treatment plan, your psychiatrist or nurse practitioner will advise and can assist with referrals to appropriate providers.
My child is on the CAMHS waitlist. Can MSQ Health help?
Yes. MSQ Health provides private child and adolescent psychiatric services for families who need faster access than the public system can offer. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are funded by Health New Zealand and we encourage families to pursue public referrals where possible. However, if the wait is too long and your child needs support now, MSQ Health’s private service is available. Children can change significantly within 12 months — early assessment and support can make a meaningful difference.
What is rTMS and is it right for me?
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment using magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted brain regions. It is clinically proven for depression — particularly where medication alone has not been fully effective — and has an evidence base for anxiety and OCD. Suitability is assessed by your MSQ Health psychiatrist or nurse practitioner as part of your care plan. It is not the right starting point for everyone, and our team will be honest about whether it is likely to benefit your specific situation.
Payment Options
Paying for Mental Health Care at MSQ Health
MSQ Health offers two clinician pathways to suit different budgets. All fees are quoted clearly before you commit to anything.
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Health Insurance
MSQ Health accepts New Zealand’s leading health insurance providers. We work directly with your insurer to confirm cover and manage the claims process on your behalf wherever possible.
Southern Cros
NIB
UniMed
Insurance cover varies by policy. We recommend checking your surgical benefit with your insurer before your assessment — our team can assist with this.
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Visa Credit Card
Pay securely online by Visa credit card. All transactions are processed through an encrypted payment gateway. Your full procedure fee is quoted transparently before any payment is taken — no hidden costs at any stage.
POLi Online Banking
Pay directly from your New Zealand bank account using POLi — available through all major NZ banks. No credit card required, no transaction fees, and instant payment confirmation so your booking is secured immediately.
Want a full fee quote or help checking your insurance cover?
Insurance tip: Southern Cross, NIB, and UniMed cover appointments with our vocationally registered psychiatrists. They do not cover psychiatric nurse practitioner appointments. Not sure what your policy covers? We recommend confirming with your insurer before your appointment — our team can provide the procedure codes you'll need.
Take the First Step
You Don't Have to Wait for Mental Health Care.
NZ-registered psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners. rTMS and HBOT. Weekend sessions. Telehealth nationwide. Often within weeks — for adults, children, and adolescents across New Zealand.