Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP)

Available at our GP Clinic on Wednesdays only

Health Improvement Practitioners are registered health professionals—often psychologists, nurses, or social workers—embedded within general practices to support mental health and wellbeing. Their role is to provide brief, evidence-based interventions for individuals experiencing distress, lifestyle challenges, or mental health concerns.

HIPs work in real-time, offering immediate support during GP visits, and are trained to:

• Deliver short, focused sessions (usually 15–30 minutes).
• Use behavioral health techniques to support change.
• Address issues like stress, anxiety, sleep, substance use, and lifestyle.
• Collaborate with whānau and community services.
• Integrate Māori models of health such as Te Whare Tapa Whā and Te Wheke to ensure culturally safe care.

They are part of the Integrated Primary Mental Health and Addiction (IPMHA) model led by Health NZ, aiming to make mental health support accessible, timely, and culturally responsive.

Key points about health improvement practitioners (HIPs)

• A health improvement practitioner is a registered health practitioner.
• HIPs provide support for people with concerns about mental health, addiction, long-term conditions and general wellbeing.
• They’re based in general practice and provide brief interventions to improve wellbeing.
• This is a free service. 

Please talk to your GP if you would like to talk with our HIP.