Altered high youth service

If you have no credit on your phone you can text our mobile and we will call or text you back.

Complete an Altered High referral form and email it back to us at alteredhigh@waitematadhb.govt.nz

Altered High referral forms are found on our Auckland Mental health and addictions page.

Mental health and addiction services — Aucklandexternal link

For primary care services with practice management systems use 'E-referrals – Addiction Services'. Mark your referral clearly for the attention of Altered High youth service and include the following information.

• Whether or not the rangatahi has agreed to the referral.
• Whether or not the whānau of the rangatahi is aware of the referral.
• Contact numbers and email addresses for the rangatahi and whānau if possible.

Complete as much contact information as possible.

Taking a Break group is for people aged 15 to 19 who are using drugs and alcohol, want to change their use and need to access support online or after hours. All participants get a certificate of attendance, so it is good for rangatahi who have legal requirements such as:

• diversion
• probation
• FGC requirements.

During the group we explore and share experiences and beliefs about using substances, look at ways to reduce the harms associated with using alcohol and other drugs and help motivate you to make lasting change. We also learn strategies to change use and manage strong emotions.

• Taking a break group runs for 4 to 7 weeks depending on the content being delivered.
• You will meet with one of our clinicians for a brief assessment before starting the group.

The group is sometimes on Zoom and sometimes face to face. Call our Dutyline 027 462 4580 to find out the current dates and times and to discuss a referral.

Whānau group is for adults who are concerned about the alcohol or other drug use of a rangatahi and would like information, advice or support.

It provides a safe and supportive place for parents, caregivers and whānau to:

• talk about the impact of their teenager’s substance use on their family, home-life and selves
• discuss the approaches you have tried
• discuss 'on top' concerns.

It provides space to ask questions, gain knowledge on alcohol, drugs, youth development and explore parenting approaches.

Advice and guidance come from both Altered High clinicians and from the other group participants. The group has a focus on how family look after themselves and self-care skills.

The group usually runs on Zoom videoconferencing in the evenings. There is a 10 to 12 week revolving cycle of varying content. You will meet with an Altered High clinician online, phone or in person, for a brief assessment before starting the group. Call our Dutyline 027 462 4580 to discuss further.

Managing mood group is a group for rangatahi who would like to know more about their emotions and learn strategies to help manage them. It is a 5 to 6 week program that has had great feedback from rangatahi. All participants receive a certificate of attendance.

At the group you will:

• discuss your emotional responses and why they occur
• learn and practice skills for how to manage strong emotions
• learn how to communicate more effectively and manage tricky situations.

We usually run the group over Zoom during work hours — however this can change. If you would like to know more, call or text us 027 462 4580.

We will look at starting a new group when we have enough interest.

Altered High Youth Service is a safe place for LGBTQIA+ rangatahi.

Life can be complex and difficult for LGBTQIA+ rangatahi and substance use is common. While alcohol and drugs may seem to help deal with problems, it can become a long-term problem itself

We have a clinician whose main role is to offer expert support in working with rangatahi who identify as LGBTQIA+ or are struggling with their sexuality or gender. All our clinicians are LGBTQIA+ friendly and supportive.

If you or your rangatahi would like the support of our LGBTQIA+ clinician, state this on the referral form.