About eating disorders
Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia or binge eating are serious and treatable. Care is usually multidisciplinary: psychological therapy, medical follow-up and nutritional support. If there is significant weight loss or physical symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
Clinical psychologists are psychologists with specialist training in assessing, diagnosing and treating mental health problems, from anxiety and depression to more complex conditions. In some countries it is a regulated health specialty; Therapy247 checks the registration.
Getting mental health care in New Zealand
Public health system · Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
Free short-term mental health and wellbeing support for mild to moderate distress is offered in many general practices through the Access and Choice programme, delivered by Health Improvement Practitioners and health coaches. Depending on the region you can book directly or be referred by your GP or practice nurse, often on the same day. Availability depends on the practice; people with more severe needs are referred by their GP to specialist mental health services. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- New Zealand Psychologists Board (Te Poari Kaimātai Hinengaro o Aotearoa). Psychologist is a protected title: only people registered with the Board may use it, and they also need a current practising certificate. Check the register for their scope of practice (Psychologist or Clinical Psychologist) and practising certificate. Search the official register
Urgent help in New Zealand
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 111 · Emergency (111)
- 1737 · 1737 Need to talk?
- 0800 543 354 · Lifeline Aotearoa
- 0508 828 865 · Suicide Crisis Helpline (0508 TAUTOKO)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: psychologistsboard.org.nz, mcnz.org.nz, tewhatuora.govt.nz, mentalhealth.org.nz
Signs to look out for
Concern about food or weight becomes worrying when it takes up a lot of thought and affects daily life: strict dieting or skipping meals, episodes of eating large amounts with loss of control, vomiting or using laxatives or excessive exercise to compensate, rapid weight changes, avoiding eating in front of others, or intense fear of gaining weight. Eating disorders affect people of all sizes, genders and ages.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Eating disorders are best treated by a team that combines psychological, medical and nutritional care. Approaches with good evidence include enhanced cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT-E), family-based treatment for children and adolescents, and specialist supportive clinical management. Clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, doctors and dietitians with eating disorder experience usually work together. Early help tends to make recovery easier.
When to seek urgent help
Eating disorders can have serious physical effects. Contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department for fainting, chest pain, a very slow or irregular heartbeat, severe weakness, confusion, vomiting blood, or if someone is unable to eat or drink at all. Seek urgent help too for thoughts of suicide. Regular medical check-ups are important during treatment.
What you can do in the meantime
Try to eat regular meals and avoid long periods without food, even if it feels hard. Reduce exposure to content that promotes dieting or body comparison, and avoid weighing yourself frequently. Tell someone you trust. If you are supporting someone, express concern calmly, focusing on feelings rather than food or weight, and encourage them to seek professional help.
What does a clinical psychologist do?
A clinical psychologist assesses, diagnoses and treats mental health problems in children, adults or older people. Day to day they conduct clinical interviews, use validated questionnaires and tests, formulate what keeps the problem going, and deliver evidence-based therapies. They often work in hospitals, community mental health teams or private practice, and coordinate with psychiatrists, family doctors and social services.
When to see a clinical psychologist
A clinical psychologist is a good choice for moderate to severe or persistent difficulties: anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive problems, trauma, eating disorders, personality difficulties, or when a formal diagnosis or report is needed. If medication may be needed or there is a risk to safety, a psychiatrist should also be involved. For coaching or personal growth, other professionals may fit better.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in New Zealand cover psychological care?
Free short-term mental health and wellbeing support for mild to moderate distress is offered in many general practices through the Access and Choice programme, delivered by Health Improvement Practitioners and health coaches. Depending on the region you can book directly or be referred by your GP or practice nurse, often on the same day. Availability depends on the practice; people with more severe needs are referred by their GP to specialist mental health services.
How do I check that a clinical psychologist is licensed in New Zealand?
New Zealand Psychologists Board (Te Poari Kaimātai Hinengaro o Aotearoa): Psychologist is a protected title: only people registered with the Board may use it, and they also need a current practising certificate. Check the register for their scope of practice (Psychologist or Clinical Psychologist) and practising certificate.