Fresh Minds
Overview
Fresh Minds brings early, trauma-informed psychological support into whaanau-led planning by embedding a psychologist directly into an existing trusted team — such as those delivering Start Well. This model removes the traditional barriers to accessing mental health care by delivering support in place — usually at home — and building it into the natural rhythms of whaanau life. Fresh Minds replaces clinical pathways with relational, culturally respectful conversations that respond to readiness, not referrals. It reflects the belief that whaanau do not need to be diagnosed to deserve healing, and that psychologists can work best as part of collective, whaanau-centred care.
Whaanau Outcomes
Support happens without stigma or the need for formal referral pathways.
Whaanau feel seen, heard, and supported in their own environments.
Parents gain confidence, emotional tools, and a sense of calm in their homes.
Tamariki experience improved emotional regulation and a more connected family atmosphere.
Key Practice Features
Whaanau-centred delivery: Mental health support is led by whaanau readiness and goals.
Non-clinical environments: Support is delivered at home or in safe, familiar spaces.
Integrated support: Psychologists are embedded into the multi-disciplinary team, not external.
Low-barrier communication: Texting and informal contact methods support trust and engagement.
Focus on trust and time: Therapeutic relationships are formed slowly, with cultural safety as the foundation.
“Readiness and their own goals! That’s at the core of it. They choose how we show up.”
— Fresh Minds Psychologist
System Strengths and Innovations
Team-based coaching and reflective practice protect practitioner wellbeing.
Support can be adapted on the fly, rather than waiting for appointments.
Psychologists become community-facing, not just clinic-bound.
Care planning is needs-led, with cultural nuance embedded from the outset.
Opportunities for Scale
Fund mental health as part of integrated whaanau wellbeing, not a separate service line.
Train psychologists in kaupapa and trauma-informed delivery outside clinical settings.
Support communities to hold mental wellbeing as a shared responsibility, not specialist-only.
Expand models where psychological care is relational, accessible, and trusted.
