Senior doctors and dentists at Health NZ public hospitals and health services plan to strike for 48 hours on Tuesday 23 September and Wednesday 24 September.
Emergency departments will be open for emergencies only.
GPs, after-hours and urgent care clinics, and other community health providers are not affected by the strikes and will continue to operate as normal.
Altered High Youth Service is for young people aged from 13 to 20 and their whānau with concerns about their own, or someone else’s alcohol or drug use.
Freephone 0800 845 1818 — ask for the youth teamexternal link
Phone or text 027 462 4580external link
Email alteredhigh@waitematadhb.govt.nzexternal link
We are available to talk to between 8:30am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
One of our youth clinicians will take your call, explain our service and answer questions, discuss your needs and take a referral if appropriate.
We are keen to know what rangatahi and their whānau think of the service we provide. If you have had contact with us recently, let us know how you found it — good, bad or not sure.
Select the link or scan the QR code to go to our feedback form.
The feedback that you provide is anonymous.
Altered High feedbackexternal link
Altered High is located at:
Level 2
409 New North Road
Kingsland
Auckland 1021
We are also available:
9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday.
We see rangatahi who have concerns about their use of alcohol, drugs, or both. We also support rangatahi affected by a parent's or other whānau member's use of substances — the young person may or may not use substances themselves. We hold a whānau inclusive approach with the rangatahi who engage with us whenever possible.
We engage with rangatahi with information and support to help them make a change or a decision about what to do, to stop or cut down, and if they are continuing to use to reduce the harms associated with using substances. Some also experience mood or mental health challenges alongside their use of substances.
We are a mobile community service covering the wider Auckland region so travel to meet with rangatahi where they are, in an environment most suitable for them such as their education setting, rooms in community settings, home. We also engage with rangatahi by video-call and phone sessions.
We have a Rainbow-focused clinician available and we liaise with other agencies who are supporting rangatahi.
We also offer an evening whānau group (on Zoom) for whānau and caregivers concerned about or affected by their rangatahi use of substances, whether the rangatahi is engaged with us or not, with individual support where appropriate.
We have downloadable information about our services and drug facts on the Health NZ website.
Community alcohol and drug service (CADS) resources — Health NZexternal link
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:
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.
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:
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 to discuss further.
Managing Mood Group is a group for young people 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:
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.
We will look at starting a new group when we have enough interest.
You can download Altered High group information on our Health NZ website.
Community alcohol and drug service (CADS) resources — Health NZexternal link
Anyone can refer to Altered High but it is preferable that rangatahi refer themselves.
The rangatahi must consent to and be involved in the referral process.
Call us between 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday on either:
An Altered High worker will take your call, explain more about the service and answer any questions you have.
If you have not got any credit on your phone you can text us on 027 462 4580external link, and we will call or text you back.
Complete our online referral form.
Youth referral to CADSexternal link
Complete our online referral form.
Youth referral to CADSexternal link
Complete an Altered High referral form and email it back to us at alteredhigh@waitematadhb.govt.nzexternal link
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.
If you are contacting us on behalf of a rangatahi, make sure that you have discussed this with them and they agree. Complete as much contact information as possible.
Call us between 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday on either:
Altered High is not able to provide after hours crisis services. If you need emergency mental health assistance call 0800 800 717external link
You can contact us using our contact form.
Based on the information from the referral you will be allocated an Altered High clinician.
Your clinician will ring you or your whānau, to introduce themselves and organise a time to meet.
Your clinician will then meet with you in a place convenient for you. They will answer any questions you might have about Altered High and then ask you some questions — an assessment. This is to find out about you, work out what your strengths and current difficulties are, and begin to work out a plan about how to help you.
Some of the ways they might help include:
