ProCare has introduced Fresh Minds, the new name for ProCare Psychological Services. 

Johnny O’Connell, General Manager of Fresh Minds says the new name for the service followed consultation with clients who said they would like psychology services to be more accessible and use everyday language.

“The word ‘psychology’ was deemed a barrier to accessing services, as was the medical language used to describe these services, leading to stigma and  creating challenges for client engagement,” says Mr O’Connell.

The formation of Fresh Minds also responds to a call from GPs, practice staff and patients that more accessible and affordable options need to be available. 

“We know that year on year those seeking support continues to grow and far exceeds the limit for funded services. We have therefore introduced mind, mood and wellness support via Fresh Minds Learnings, which includes live interactive webinars with a therapist, which people can access from the comfort of their own home after work hours.  In addition, free mindfulness workshops for self-management as well as shorter appointment options for one-to-one therapy have been introduced, says Mr O’Connell.”

Fresh Minds builds on the 15 years of experience built by ProCare Psychological Services whereby thousands of people have been provided with tools and techniques that help them to connect their dots in relation to how they think, feel and act in their lives. This deep experience has enabled the development of a range of programmes, backed by clinical expertise and empathy, which allow people to access the support they need, face life’s challenges and to live well.

With a focus on equity of access and outcomes Fresh Minds, with the support of funding from the three Auckland DHBs, strives to ensure those in our community with the greatest need are able to receive the help they require; including funded pathways for Māori, Pacific and disadvantaged groups.

Fresh Minds sits alongside ProCare health partnerships that cater to at-risk communities, addiction, youth and family wellbeing.

Visit www.freshminds.co.nz

ENDS

For more information or to arrange interviews please contact:

Ruth Morse, ruth.morse@procare.co.nz

Phone: 021 263 1415

About Fresh Minds

Fresh Minds is a social enterprise that provides mind, mood and wellbeing services. Fresh Minds is part of ProCare, New Zealand’s largest network of general practice teams, helping over 800,000 kiwis live healthier, happier lives.

Over the past 15 years, Fresh Minds has supported thousands of people, by providing one-to-one psychology, to give clients the tools and techniques individuals need to connect their dots in relation to how they think, feel and act in their lives. This deep experience has enabled Fresh Minds to develop programmes, backed by clinical expertise and empathy, which allow people to access the support they need, face life’s challenges and to live well.

Fresh Minds, as ProCare service, is supported by comprehensive clinical governance, expertise and rigorous systems to ensure support is of the highest quality. Fresh Minds clinical expertise is matched by a focus on delivering a healthcare experience with empathy and humanity.

www.freshminds.co.nz