Mental health care is a vital aspect of healthcare services in New Zealand. Psychologists take various approaches to ensure a high level of mental healthcare for all patients. Psychologists also face a range of challenges and difficulties when it comes to treating patients the right way and keeping up with trends.

Mental health care services vary depending on the mental level the patient is in. This paper covers the aspect of navigating mental health challenges and provides and insight for psychologists in New Zealand.

Mental health care

Mental health care involves a person’s psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing. It basically affects how a person feels, thinks, and acts, and helps identify how people manage stress and other factors that impact the decision making process.

Mental health related disorders can impact a person at any stage of his life, starting from birth to adolescence and adulthood. It has a huge impact on the mood and behavioral aspects of the affected person.

The below factors affect a person’s mental health condition.

• Biological factors, including brain chemistry and genetic factors.
• Family background with a record of mental health conditions and issues.
• Negative experiences in life, such as abuse or trauma.

Where to find mental health care assistance

Psychologists help patients deal with all kinds of mental health issues. These issues could range from quitting an addiction like smoking or drinking alcohol to overcoming a phobia or dealing with depression.

General Practitioners typically recommend psychologists for patients in order to get mental health advice and care for different conditions. Psychologists provide mental health care plans to help cope with psychological issues.

People can also reach out to psychologist without referrals. They may directly approach a psychologist based on research or word of mouth. The rapport psychologists have with their patients is vital in building trust between the two parties. Therefore, patients seek for psychologists that make them feel comfortable and at ease. Psychologists must make note of this point to maintain a good relationship with people that come to them for consultation and advice.

Digital competency of psychologists in New Zealand

The recent integration of technology to psychology has expanded the scope of delivery of mental health services. The demand for mental health services, especially during and after the pandemic, has led psychologists to make themselves more familiar with the implementation of digital technologies within this field.

Psychologists were made to significantly change the way they work and their approach in it, especially due to the restrictions imposed during the lockdown period. It still stands to be crucial even after the lockdown, due to the convenience and ease of functionalities that digital technologies provide in the field of psychology.

Therefore the psychologists in New Zealand must be well-versed in the use of technology within this field.

Digital competency

A study shows that 86% of psychologists show moderate to high levels of competence in terms of using digital technology to move forward within this field. Following are the rating of competence levels on the use of digital technologies among psychologists.

• 86% showed moderate to high competence in engaging in remote supervision using digital technology
• 82% obtaining clients informed agreement for digital work
• 77% managing professional and clinical limitations related to online practice
• 76% establishing and maintaining a positive relationship with people online
• 76% following organizational policies and procedures with regard to digital work
• 76% reflecting on their attitudes, values, and skills related to using digital technology during practice

Navigating challenges using digital technologies: Influencing factors

Several factors influence the challenges faced when using digital technologies. Below are these challenges in detail.

Individual’s needs, requirements, preferences, flexibility, and convenience affect the choice of clients in the use of digital technologies. Patients were motivated towards using digital technologies in terms of psychological services, especially when people had mobility problems or unwell. Patients that are unable to attend clinics saw this as a great advantage, which is why psychologists should focus on this when offering mental health services.

The necessity of continuity of care is another deciding factor and key motivator in the use of digital technologies in psychology practice. It was especially significant during the pandemic and even immediately after it.

Increased accessibility and reach of digital technologies in psychology practice. It helped individuals overcome the challenges faced due to rising costs, location, and time. Providing equitable access to mental health services across rural, regional, and metro areas in New Zealand, was motivating for many people.

Mental health challenges: Barriers

Several concerns function barriers and challenges when providing mental health care in this digitalized era.

One of the main barriers was the lack of access certain individuals had to the digital tools, especially those from low socioeconomic regions. Lack of access to technology and Wi-Fi and those who are not financially stable, may find this challenging.

People also find certain cultural factors to be barriers to using digital tools in psychology practice. They may have issues with regarding to privacy and may worry that their concerns and conditions will be exposed.

Certain personal factors also contribute as barriers. Low level of confidence, skills, or resources in using digital technologies in psychology, are all contributing factors.

How to overcome mental health challenges

The primary concern in overcoming mental health challenges, is the development of digital competencies among psychologists. It is important for several reasons. Psychologists must have the necessary skills required to keep up with digital technologies in this era. Regulatory bodies should provide assurance of required competency in psychologists to display professionalism in their practice.

Psychologists must also be provided with access to digital tools that support their practice and allow them to offer quality mental health services to patients.

How the pandemic affected mental health

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on health care services not only in New Zealand but across the world. New Zealand has some of the most stringent lockdown policies including the introduction of a four-level alert system to manage situations during the pandemic. Mental health was the most impacted out of all health sectors with an increase in moderate to severe levels of anxiety and suicidal attempts.

Clinicians also reported increased levels of anxiety due to the fear of coming into contact with an infected patient and carrying the virus to their homes. They also faced issues with regard to shortages in PPE gear and so on.

How psychologists in New Zealand responded to challenges faced during the pandemic

This is when telehealth came into play, primarily as a way of keeping distance with infected people while continuously offering their services to them. It proved to be an effective method, and is still in use as a method of conducting consultations and providing mental health services.

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