Pasifika Rise
Pasifika-led mental health services.
Mental health support led by Pasifika, for Pasifika. Evidence-based therapy, grounded in a culturally safe model of care, online and usually seen within 24 to 48 hours. You start with a short questionnaire, in your own time.
What happens when you reach out
A clear path, no waiting rooms.
Online, private, in your own time.
If it is safe to, we book your consult, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
Diagnosis, supports, and we liaise with your GP.
Three simple steps to support
We sit early in the journey, so you get help before things turn into a crisis. No long waits, no judgement.
Share online
Fill in a short, private questionnaire online, in your own time. No appointment needed to start.
We review it
A Pasifika clinician reviews your answers. If it is safe to support you online, we schedule your appointment.
Support and a plan
Assessment and diagnosis, including ADHD, practical supports, referrals to local networks, and we liaise with your GP.
For Pasifika, and our aiga
Pasifika Rise is for Pacific people and their families, anywhere in Aotearoa. If things feel heavy, you can reach us.
- Pasifika of any age carrying stress, low mood, anxiety, focus or attention concerns, or things that feel too big to hold alone
- Whānau who want to support someone they love and are not sure where to start
- Anyone who has found cost, distance, or feeling judged has got in the way of help before
Built around our community
Pasifika Rise was started by a Pasifika GP with a special interest in mental health, who understands how hard it can be to reach the right help. The service is shaped to be affordable, online, and culturally safe. Mental health is where we start, with the aim of growing into wider Pasifika health and clinical care over time.
We carry more, and get less help
Pasifika face some of the worst mental health and health outcomes in Aotearoa, yet we are among the least likely to be diagnosed or supported early. These are the numbers behind why we built this.
The gap is access, not need. Pacific peoples are more likely to experience distress, yet less likely to ever be diagnosed or treated. Pasifika Rise exists to close that gap, early and in a way that fits our families.
Reaching young people before crisis
Our rangatahi carry the heaviest load and reach help the latest. We start early, for tamariki and rangatahi from age 5, with whānau alongside, and we work to take cost off the table so no young person goes without.
Early, before the crisis
Tamariki and rangatahi from age 5 are seen by video, usually within 24 to 48 hours, so we catch things early instead of at the emergency department.
Cost is never the barrier
For many Pasifika families, cost is the reason a young person goes without. We work to keep youth support free at the point of care, so reaching out is never about money.
Whānau and culture, together
Grounded in the Fonofale model, with family, faith and identity part of the care. Younger tamariki are always seen with a parent or caregiver.
Care that fits, not care that judges
Pasifika-led and safe
Led by a Pasifika GP, for Pasifika. Support that understands family, faith, and community, and works with them rather than around them.
Assessment and diagnosis
Clinical assessment and diagnosis, including ADHD, so you can understand what is going on and what helps.
Connected to local networks
Where it helps, we refer you on to trusted local services and supports near you, so you are not left to find them alone.
Joined up with your GP
We liaise with your GP and send a clear note back, so your wider care stays connected and nothing falls through the cracks.
Who you will see
Dr Francis Katoa
Pasifika Rise is led by a Pasifika GP who works in primary care every week. The starting point is simple. Our people deserve mental health support that understands family, faith, and community, and that does not make you explain yourself before you can be helped.
The focus is early intervention and a clear plan. That means assessment and diagnosis, including ADHD, practical next steps, and joining the care up with your GP and trusted local networks so nothing falls through the cracks. Where it helps, and with your agreement, you can also be connected with a Pasifika health coach or social worker for added support.
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Fellow, Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners
FRNZCGP, vocationally registered GP -
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences, Youth Health
University of Auckland -
Postgraduate training in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Special clinical interest in mental health
Refer someone to us
We work alongside primary care, not instead of it. Refer someone for early intervention mental health support and we send a clear plan back to you. Get in touch to set up a referral pathway for your practice or organisation.
Book a session
Reaching out is the hardest step. We will take it from here.
Fill in a few details and we will be in touch to confirm a time. If you would rather, you can book directly online or call us.
Thank you for reaching out.
We have your request and will be in touch soon to confirm a time. If things feel urgent before then, free call or text 1737 any time.
That did not send
Something stopped your request from sending, so we have not received it yet. Please email admin@pasifikarise.co.nz or call 09 873 5039, or press “Try again”. If things feel urgent, free call or text 1737 any time.
Questions, answered
Will cost stop me getting help?+
We keep costs as low as we can, and we work to remove them where we can, especially for our young people. Depending on your situation your consult may be funded through ACC or Work and Income. We are always upfront about any cost before anything goes ahead.
How soon will I be seen?+
Once a clinician reviews your questionnaire, you can usually expect a telehealth consult within 24 to 48 hours, as long as it is safe to support you online.
Do I need a referral?+
No. You can book yourself in. Your GP or school can also refer you, and we will keep them in the loop with your agreement.
Is it private?+
Yes. What you share stays between you and your clinician, within the usual safety limits any health service has. We will always be clear with you about that.
Who will I talk to?+
You will be seen by Dr Francis Katoa, a Pasifika GP with a special clinical interest in mental health, who understands Pasifika families and how to make support feel safe. With your agreement, he can also connect you with a Pasifika health coach or social worker for added support.
How does online work?+
You meet your clinician by secure video from somewhere private, at home. All you need is a phone or a laptop.