Description
SPARX is a free, online self-help tool designed to equip young people with life skills to manage stressful and negative emotions. It uses a game-like format to deliver proven talking therapy techniques.
SPARX was developed by researchers and clinicians from the University of Auckland in partnership with young people. Research shows that it can improve low mood and reduce anxiety for rangatahi aged 13-19 years old.
Staff
Developed and managed by staff at the University of Auckland.
Ages
Youth / Rangatahi
How do I access this service?
Website / App
SPARX can be accessed online for desktops or via our app on iOS or Android devices.
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 trained staff by free calling 0508 477 279, or free text 3110.
There is also a chat function which is accessible via the website.
If you or someone else feels unsafe, contact 111 right away.
Anyone can access
Fees and Charges Categorisation
Free
Fees and Charges Description
No fees apply.
Hours
SPARX is available to play 24/7 at sparx.org.nz
Our technical support staff work Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm (excluding public holidays).
Please expect responses to emails within these working hours.
Languages Spoken
English
Programmes
How does SPARX work? SPARX is an interactive self-help tool designed to help young people manage low mood and anxiety. It delivers lessons in proven talking therapy techniques within a game-like format. Users will interact with characters and complete challenges throughout seven different modules to learn skills, assess their mood, and set goals. Lessons in SPARX As users move through the seven levels, they learn to: Manage stress and strong emotions Recognise and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns Build confidence and assertiveness Improve communication with others Solve problems more effectively Identify triggers and respond in healthier ways Why Use SPARX? Free: Available 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 independently or alongside support from a health provider. Supportive: SPARX can guide you to additional help if needed. SPARX teaches how your thoughts and behaviours influence feelings and what you can do about it. About SPARX SPARX was developed by researchers and clinicians at the University of Auckland in partnership with young people. Funded by Health New Zealand, it is widely available to support youth mental health across Aotearoa New Zealand. For resources and videos about the evidence behind SPARX or information for families, young people, and health professionals, check out our website. 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 counsellors by free calling 0508 477 279, or free text 3110.
How does SPARX work? SPARX is an interactive self-help tool designed to help young people manage low mood and anxiety. It delivers lessons in proven talking therapy techniques within a game-like format. Users will interact with characters and complete challenges throughout seven different modules to learn skills, assess their mood, and set goals. Lessons in SPARX As users move through the seven levels, they learn to: Manage stress and strong emotions Recognise and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns Build confidence and assertiveness Improve communication with others Solve problems more effectively Identify triggers and respond in healthier ways Why Use SPARX? Free: Available 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 independently or alongside support from a health provider. Supportive: SPARX can guide you to additional help if needed. SPARX teaches how your thoughts and behaviours influence feelings and what you can do about it. About SPARX SPARX was developed by researchers and clinicians at the University of Auckland in partnership with young people. Funded by Health New Zealand, it is widely available to support youth mental health across Aotearoa New Zealand. For resources and videos about the evidence behind SPARX or information for families, young people, and health professionals, check out our website. 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 counsellors by free calling 0508 477 279, or free text 3110.
- Programme Areas
Helplines / e-mental health, Mental health
- Programme Type
e-mental health apps and online tools
- 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 self-help tool designed to help young people manage low mood and anxiety. It delivers lessons in proven talking therapy techniques within a game-like format. Users will interact with characters and complete challenges throughout seven different modules to learn skills, assess their mood, and set goals.
Lessons in SPARX
As users move through the seven levels, they learn to:
- Manage stress and strong emotions
- Recognise and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns
- Build confidence and assertiveness
- Improve communication with others
- Solve problems more effectively
- Identify triggers and respond in healthier ways
Why Use SPARX?
- Free: Available 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 independently or alongside support from a health provider.
- Supportive: SPARX can guide you to additional help if needed.
SPARX teaches how your thoughts and behaviours influence feelings and what you can do about it.
About SPARX
SPARX was developed by researchers and clinicians at the University of Auckland in partnership with young people. Funded by Health New Zealand, it is widely available to support youth mental health across Aotearoa New Zealand.
For resources and videos about the evidence behind SPARX or information for families, young people, and health professionals, check out our website.
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 counsellors by free calling 0508 477 279, or free text 3110.
Additional Details
Online / virtual / app
Website
Contact Details
-
Phone
0508 477 279 to connect to a counsellor
Website
Contact us if you have a SPARX technical/IT question here
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This page was last updated at 9:29AM on April 20, 2026. This information is reviewed and edited by SPARX.