Specialist refugee mental health services
“This service has helped me make that positive step toward the future and given me a sense of hope. I feel a great burden has fallen off my shoulders and that feeling of depression has gone.”
Former client
How we can help
If you are experiencing psychological difficulties due to trauma from displacement, conflict, or seeking asylum, our team may be able to support you.
Our specialist refugee mental health service offers culturally safe mental health care to help refugees, former refugees and their whānau (families) address experiences of trauma, whether experienced before or after arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our fully funded service is available to children, young people, and adults living in the greater Wellington region, including Porirua and the Hutt Valley.
Our multidisciplinary team includes psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, a social worker, and a visiting psychiatrist.
Interpreting service
We also offer an interpreting service to ensure that language is never a barrier.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi
We are guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi).
For refugees, former refugees, and their whānau, Te Tiriti upholds the right to live, participate in, and contribute to life in Aotearoa New Zealand. These principles serve as the foundation of our work, helping our clients grow in their understanding and appreciation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s diverse society.
Understanding the effects of trauma
Trauma causes an emotional disconnection from yourself and others. It is a change inside you as a result of what has happened to you.
Common reactions to trauma include:
- feeling sad, angry, or scared
- feeling hopeless or helpless
- experiencing difficult memories from the past
- having sleeping problems and nightmares
- suffering from physical symptoms, with no known cause
- having trouble concentrating
- feeling lonely or isolated
- having difficulty trusting people.
Getting help
We provide holistic care that is informed by your experiences, and we can offer you a care plan for your specific needs, such as:
- individual psychotherapy
- couples and family psychotherapy
- prescribing and reviewing medication
- social work support
- coordinating your care with your doctor and nurse
- advocating for your care and your rights
- engaging in group activities and intervention
- referring you to other professionals, if needed.
Contact us
To access our service please complete the self-referral form.
If you are a professional referring someone to our service, please use the professional referral form.
For referral enquiries, please email: referralsrtr@redcross.org.nz
For general enquiries, please email: managerrtr@redcross.org.nz
We are located at:
Refugee Trauma Recovery Centre
Level 6, 186 Willis Street, Wellington