About quit smoking
Quitting smoking is easier with support. Psychological programmes work on habits, triggers and cravings and can be combined with medical treatment. Planning a quit date and preparing for difficult moments increases the chances of success.
Psychologists assess and treat emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties through psychological therapy. They do not prescribe medication. In many countries clinical practice requires a specific qualification and registration with a licensing body, which Therapy247 checks.
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
Many people who smoke want to stop but find it hard. Signs that nicotine has a strong hold include smoking soon after waking, feeling irritable, anxious or unable to concentrate without it, failing despite several attempts, and smoking even when ill. Professional support makes particular sense if you have tried alone before, smoke to manage stress or low mood, or have a health condition.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Combining behavioural support with medical treatment increases the chances of quitting compared with trying alone. Psychologists use cognitive-behavioural techniques, motivational interviewing and relapse prevention to work on habits, triggers and cravings, individually or in groups. A doctor or pharmacist can advise whether nicotine replacement or other medication is suitable for you. Many health services run stop-smoking programmes.
When to seek urgent help
Quitting smoking is not usually an emergency, but contact your local emergency services immediately for chest pain, severe breathlessness or signs of a stroke, such as sudden weakness or difficulty speaking. If quitting brings a sharp drop in mood or thoughts of harming yourself, seek help urgently. People with mental health conditions should involve their doctor when stopping, as some treatments may need adjusting.
What you can do in the meantime
Choose a quit date and prepare: remove cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays, identify your triggers and plan what you will do instead. Cravings usually pass within minutes, so distraction, water, a short walk or slow breathing can help. Tell people around you so they can support you, and avoid alcohol early on. A slip is not the end; learn from it and continue.
What does a psychologist do?
A psychologist spends most of the working day talking with people about what worries them and helping them change it. That includes assessing the difficulty, agreeing goals, and using structured psychological techniques in sessions with adults, teenagers, children, couples or families. Between sessions they prepare materials, write notes, and sometimes coordinate with doctors, schools or other professionals, always with your consent.
When to see a psychologist
It makes sense to see a psychologist when anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship problems, a loss or a difficult change start to affect your sleep, work or relationships, or when you simply want to understand yourself better. If symptoms are very severe, you may need medication, or there are signs of a medical cause, a psychiatrist or your doctor should be involved too.
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 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.