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Mental Health & Addictions >

SPARX

Mental Health Service

Today

12:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

Description

SPARX is a self-help tool designed for young people aged 12 to 19 to teach cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) skills. SPARX was designed by mental health experts with the input of young New Zealanders. Research found that SPARX helped young people who were feeling down, depressed, or anxious to feel better. 

Ages

Youth / Rangatahi

How do I access this service?

Website / App

SPARX can be accessed via desktop online or as an app to download on your iOS or Android device.

Contact us

SPARX has a 24/7 free support line. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or like you want someone to talk to, reach out to one of our trained staff at 0508 477 279, or text 3110 (both of these methods are free to contact) 

There is also a chat function which is accessible via the website. 

If you or someone else feel unsafe contact 111 right away.

Fees and Charges Categorisation

Free

Fees and Charges Description

No fees apply.

Hours

12:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

Mon – Sun midnight – midnight

SPARX is available to play 24/7, but our technical support staff will be on leave from 21st December - 5th January 2025, so any IT requests raised at this time may have a slight delay in response.

Languages Spoken

English

Programmes

SPARX - Building resilience through gameplay

How does SPARX work? SPARX is an interactive e-therapy tool designed to help young people manage depression and anxiety. It incorporates cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) learning with a virtual fantasy setting. Users will traverse through seven different modules, each relating to a different CBT skill in an interactive, fun, but educational way. At the beginning and end of each module, you will meet a character called the Guide who provides helpful information, assesses your mood, and helps set and track challenges. Why Use SPARX? Free: Accessible to everyone at no cost. Confidential: No one else needs to know you're using it. Private: Your information is secure and protected. Flexible: Use SPARX alongside support from a health provider or other types of help. Supportive: SPARX can guide you to additional help if needed. What is CBT? CBT teaches you skills such as how to relax, find the words to talk to adults about what is happening in your world, feel positive, get along better with others, and solve problems. There is a lot of research that shows CBT has supported those who experience symptoms of mild to moderate depression and anxiety to feel better. Who Made SPARX? SPARX was developed by researchers and clinicians at the University of Auckland. It has been clinically tested and proven effective. Funded by Health New Zealand, it is widely available to support youth mental health across New Zealand. If you want to know more about evidence for SPARX and info for families or young people, check out the SPARX website for resources and videos. SPARX has a 24/7 free support line. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or like you want someone to talk to, reach out to one of our trained staff at 0508 477 279, or text 3110 (both of these methods are free to contact)

Programme Areas

Self help/ helpline, Mental health

Programme Type

Online / e-mental health

Regions

All of New Zealand

Age Groups

Youth / Rangatahi

Referral Types

Self referral

Referral Process

SPARX is free to use and completely confidential. Sign yourself up today! Click here to register

Description

How does SPARX work?

SPARX is an interactive e-therapy tool designed to help young people manage depression and anxiety. It incorporates cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) learning with a virtual fantasy setting. Users will traverse through seven different modules, each relating to a different CBT skill in an interactive, fun, but educational way.

At the beginning and end of each module, you will meet a character called the Guide who provides helpful information, assesses your mood, and helps set and track challenges. 

Why Use SPARX?

  • Free: Accessible to everyone at no cost.
  • Confidential: No one else needs to know you're using it.
  • Private: Your information is secure and protected.
  • Flexible: Use SPARX alongside support from a health provider or other types of help.
  • Supportive: SPARX can guide you to additional help if needed.


What is CBT?

CBT teaches you skills such as how to relax, find the words to talk to adults about what is happening in your world, feel positive, get along better with others, and solve problems. There is a lot of research that shows CBT has supported those who experience symptoms of mild to moderate depression and anxiety to feel better.

Who Made SPARX?
SPARX was developed by researchers and clinicians at the University of Auckland. It has been clinically tested and proven effective. Funded by Health New Zealand, it is widely available to support youth mental health across New Zealand.

If you want to know more about evidence for SPARX and info for families or young people, check out the SPARX website for resources and videos.

 SPARX has a 24/7 free support line. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or like you want someone to talk to, reach out to one of our trained staff at 0508 477 279, or text 3110 (both of these methods are free to contact) 

Additional Details

Online / virtual / app

Contact Details

12:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

SPARX is an online mental health tool 

Contact us if you have a SPARX technical/IT question here

This page was last updated at 11:36AM on December 17, 2024. This information is reviewed and edited by SPARX.