NZ Expands Digital Mental Health Services to Remote Communities

In a significant step toward improving mental health care accessibility, New Zealand’s Minister for Mental Health, Matt Doocey, has announced the expansion of digital mental health services through the Government’s Mental Health and Addiction Innovation Fund. The expansion, made possible through matched funding, will support the digital therapy provider Just a Thought to broaden its reach and introduce new wellbeing-focused courses.

This initiative aims to alleviate the challenges faced by individuals in remote and hard-to-reach communities, where access to traditional, in-person mental health support can often be limited or non-existent.

Supporting Over 75,000 New Zealanders Since 2019

Just a Thought has been a pioneering force in digital mental health delivery in Aotearoa since its launch in 2019. The platform offers 17 free, evidence-based therapy courses that address a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, and addiction. More than 75,000 New Zealanders have already accessed these online courses, which are structured to provide timely and effective support in a self-paced, private format.

The new funding will allow the platform not only to expand its existing offerings but also to develop new courses focused on stress management, general wellbeing, and mindfulness. These additional tools are designed to empower individuals with practical coping strategies and to build emotional resilience, particularly in areas where mental health support remains scarce.

Breaking Down Barriers to Access

Remote communities often face disproportionate barriers to accessing healthcare, including long wait times, travel limitations, and stigma around mental health. Minister Doocey emphasized that these communities represent a significant unmet need in the national mental health framework.

“Hard-to-reach and remote communities can face barriers accessing the help they need and have unmet need,” Doocey noted. “Initiatives like this are exactly what the Innovation Fund was designed to support.”

By providing free, online therapy courses that are accessible 24/7, Just a Thought bridges the gap between demand and supply of services, ensuring that individuals in need do not fall through the cracks.

Innovation Fund Opens Doors for New Providers

The Mental Health and Addiction Innovation Fund is a government initiative designed to stimulate new, scalable mental health solutions by partnering with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and digital providers. In its first round, the Fund required a matched investment of $250,000, which has now been reduced to $100,000 in the upcoming second round, to encourage a broader pool of applicants.

The upcoming Request for Proposal (RFP) for round two of the Innovation Fund is expected to attract a wide array of providers and innovators who are eager to contribute to the nation's evolving mental health landscape.

“This is another example of the Government’s commitment to exploring new ways to fund and grow mental health support, including through coinvestment,” said Doocey. “The Innovation Fund is one of the ways we are partnering with NGOs to deliver innovative projects and initiatives that bring faster access to better mental health and addiction support for communities right across the country.”

Looking Ahead

As New Zealand continues to grapple with rising mental health needs—especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing social challenges—digital solutions like Just a Thought provide a timely, scalable, and cost-effective complement to existing mental health infrastructure.

With the government’s continued support and a renewed focus on inclusivity and accessibility, initiatives such as these are poised to make a lasting impact on the well-being of individuals and families throughout the nation.