Mum slams loss of teen’s ‘lifeline’

DHB blames strikes for end of suicidal son’s only support

Ateenager who has tried to kill himself more than once has had his only support cancelled by Auckland District Health Board.

The DHB says the group therapy had been cut because of strikes — which psychologists say are necessary due to severe under-staffing.

About 600 psychologists across the country are refusing to work overtime for five weeks. Fears loom hundreds of vulnerable Kiwi children are in danger due to not being able to access their usual support.

Jake (not his real name) is just one. Yesterday he celebrated his 16th birthday — and last night was meant to have his weekly group therapy session, something his mum refers to as his “lifeline”.

“This therapy has been lifechanging for my son. I’m deeply concerned his mental health is going to deteriorate without it,” his mother told the Herald, holding back tears.

Just last week the family received a letter from the DHB saying Jake’s DBT (dialectical behaviour therapy) group and 24/7 phone-line with his case worker would not be available during the five-week strike period.

“To be told the only therapy available for my depressed teenager has been cancelled is devastating.”

DBT, a commonly used therapy in NZ, particularly for children, aims to address mood disorders, suicidal ideation and self-harming.

Jake’s mum said it took nine months for him to be accepted on to the DBT group in February.

“It then took another month for him to actually engage in the course and only in the last month has he found the courage to call his case worker when he is feeling low.”

DHB director of provider services Joanne Gibbs said while there were wait times for the DBT, other forms of talking therapy were available.

The board has offered an afterhours urgent response phone service during the strikes but the Herald understands this would only be for emergencies. The therapy phone was with someone Jake trusted he could call when he felt down.

Jake’s mum stressed her anguish was not at the psychologists for striking, but at the DHB and Ministry of Health for not paying them overtime.

“I’m horrified they’ve been taking turns treating my son for no money.”

A Health Ministry spokesman said it regretted any inconvenience and distress caused by the strikes.

Mental Health Foundation chief Shaun Robinson said it was “totally unacceptable” someone with suicidal thoughts had to wait months to be seen and still had no access to care.