Health Improvement Practitioners & Health Coaches
Free, brief support within your GP clinic for practical wellbeing strategies
Health Improvement Practitioners and Health Coaches are part of the Integrated Primary Mental Health and Addictions programme. They offer free, brief support within your GP clinic.
Health Improvement Practitioners and Health Coaches focus on practical, evidence‑based support for your wellbeing.
How to Access These Services
You can ask reception, a nurse, or your GP whether a Health Improvement Practitioner or Health Coach is available at your clinic.
1. In some cases, you may be seen on the same day, or you can book an appointment depending on availability
2. Your GP may also introduce you directly if they feel this support would be helpful
Health Improvement Practitioners
Health Improvement Practitioners are registered health professionals who provide short, focused support to help manage challenges such as:
Stress, anxiety, or low mood
Sleep difficulties
Coping with physical health conditions
Relationship or family challenges
Alcohol or drug concerns
Sessions: Appointments are up to 30 minutes and take place within your GP practice. Sessions focus on practical strategies to improve day‑to‑day functioning and overall wellbeing.
Health Coaches
Health Coaches support you to build knowledge, confidence, and skills to better manage your physical health and healthcare needs. They can help with:
Healthy eating and physical activity
Understanding medications and treatment plans
Managing long‑term conditions (e.g. diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, gout, high cholesterol)
Preparing for and communicating with your healthcare team
Sessions: Appointments are 15–30 minutes, held in the GP practice, and focus on empowering you to be an active partner in your healthcare.
Āwhi Ora Community Support Workers
Āwhi Ora Community Support Workers provide practical, short‑term support to help you navigate life challenges. They can assist with:
Accessing health and community services
Work and Income and employment support
Financial advice and budgeting services
Connecting with support groups and social networks
Support: This is a "walk‑alongside" service offering up to three months of support to help you through a difficult period and maintain wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. All Wellness Support Team services are fully funded and provided at no cost to eligible patients of Tamaki Health.
It depends on the service.
No referral required: Health Improvement Practitioners, Health Coaches, Āwhi Ora Community Support Workers (accessed through your clinic)
Referral required: Therapy, Psychiatry, ACC Sensitive Claims (Kia Korowai), group programmes
Referrals can be made by your GP, nurse, Health Improvement Practitioner, Health Coach, therapist, or other clinic staff. Some group programmes also allow self‑referral, details are listed on each programme page. You can also self-refer to ACC Sensitive Claims.
You can:
Speak to your GP, nurse, or receptionist at your clinic
Ask whether a Health Improvement Practitioner or Health Coach is available
Email the programme team directly where self‑referral is available
Health Improvement Practitioners and Health Coaches may sometimes be available on the same day, depending on clinic availability. Other services (such as therapy or psychiatry) have waiting times, and a coordinator will contact you to discuss options.
The Wellness Support Team support a wide range of wellbeing and health concerns, including:
Stress, anxiety, low mood, and sleep difficulties
Managing long‑term health conditions
Emotional wellbeing and resilience
Relationship or family challenges
Navigating services, employment, or financial stress
Recovery from sexual trauma (ACC Sensitive Claims)
If you’re unsure whether we can help, talk with your GP or clinic team.
Yes. Your privacy is important to us. All services are provided in line with health information privacy laws, and information is shared only with your healthcare team when appropriate to support your care.
Yes. You are welcome to bring a support person or whānau member to appointments if it feels helpful to you.
Yes. We are committed to providing culturally responsive, inclusive, and respectful care. We warmly welcome people of all backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, languages, sexual orientations, genders, ages, and abilities.
Interpreting services can be arranged—please let your clinic know in advance.
That’s okay. A GP, nurse, Health Improvement Practitioner, or Health Coach can help you identify the most appropriate support and connect you with the right service. When referred, one of our coordinators will discuss the referral and support options available to ensure it is right for you.
Yes. Many people use more than one service over time. Our team works collaboratively to ensure your care is coordinated and aligned with your needs.
Connecting You To Further Support
Health Improvement Practitioners and Health Coaches can connect you with additional services, including:
Individual therapy
Group programmes
Āwhi Ora community support
Smoking cessation services
Psychiatric services
Trusted online resources and information