1. Mental Health Navigator
A comprehensive guide to understanding the Mental Health Navigator

2. Why is it relevant?
Nearly half of the New Zealand population will meet the criteria for a mental illness diagnosis at some stage in their lives.
1 in 5 of us here in New Zealand will be affected with a mental health event in the next 12 months.
Mental health is a trending topic right now, with the government recently announcing a $1.9 billion boost to the sector.
Mental health costs the NZ economy $12 billion each year or 5% GDP.
WorkSafe NZ specifies that businesses have a responsibility to ensure the psychological wellbeing of its people.
Typical wait times through the public system to see a psychologist or psychiatrist are currently between two and six months

3. What is it?
Mental Health Navigator (MHN), provides fast, comprehensive and confidential access to a team of mental health professionals.
Using the DASS clinical assessment method to measure the states of depression, anxiety and stress.
Mental Health Navigator is a service already proven overseas in Canada and Australia. Accuro are the first health insurer to launch this service in New Zealand.

4. What problem is it solving?
Challenge
Solution
Access and early intervention
Easy access to a multidisciplinary team of experts within 10 days through the convenience of video calls. Typical timeframes to see psychologist are 4-6 weeks and a psychiatrist up to 6 months, depending on location. 54% of people with a mental illness don’t access treatment
“Recovery” has a different meaning to patients vs clinicians
Our Mental Health Nurses seek to understand what form of functional recovery the patient wants to achieve vs a typical clinician approach of just trying to reduce symptoms e.g I want to play with my kids, be able to socialize or return to work.
GP’s diagnosing and treating patients with complex conditions
In-depth assessment by a leading psychologist and psychiatrist with clear treatment pathways. MHN provides much needed support to the GP and engages with them throughout the process.
Patient does not feel as though they have an advocate (beyond the GP)
The Mental Health Navigator Nurse supports the patient throughout the entire process and guides the patient into appropriate treatment pathways.
Complex environment to navigate and difficult to coordinate care
A coordinated assessment plan between the Mental Health Navigator Nurse, Psychologist and Psychiatrist and feedback to GP

5. Who is it for? Mental Health Navigator is recommended if you:
Struggle with stress, anxiety or depression,
Are unsure about a diagnosis for a mental condition, or the medication you are on,
Don’t follow a treatment plan, but have been diagnosed with a mental health condition,
Have a mental health issue, but do not see a mental health professional.

6. What are the outcomes? 75% 90% 87% Change in diagnosis
Change in treatment
Change in Medication
75%
90%
87%

7. What are the outcomes?
Mental Health Navigator indicators show an improved ‘back to work’ impact to 71% of people using MHN.

8. Reduction in DASS scores between start and final
What are the outcomes?
Callers to MHN are assessed at the beginning and end of their journey and Best Doctors indicate a significant reduction in symptoms.
Reduction in DASS scores between start and final
Depression
Anxiety
Stress
68%
65%
57%

9. How Mental Health Navigator works

10. How does it work?
Step 1 - Start a case When you call the 0800 number you will go through to Jo. Jo will talk with you by phone and again through video call a few days later to further understand what you are going through.
Step 2 – Collect information MHN will gather your medical history and complete a clinical summary before quickly matching you with the right team of experts.
Step 3 – Expert review Your assigned expert team, consisting of a leading NZ registered psychiatrist and psychologist, will meet with you by video call to assess your condition.
Step 4 – Report and support Jo will call you to discuss the expert’s findings and provide a detailed report outlining your diagnosis and best treatment options. Jo will then help guide you into the recommended treatment plan and provide ongoing support.

11. Who is eligible?
From 1 September, Mental Health Navigator is available to all existing Accuro members with Specialist cover.
Members do not need to wait until their anniversary date to be eligible for this policy enhancement.
Members can access MHN regardless of any exclusions on their policy.
MHN can only be accessed by members aged 18 years or older. This service is not currently available for children.

12. Case Study- Nadia

13. Further Resources
Visit the Accuro website for more information and resources.