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Forensic Services | Southern
Public Service, Psychiatry, Mental Health
Today
Southland Hospital, Invercargill
8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Description
Purpose of the Forensic Mental Health Service
The Forensic Mental Health Service provides specialist assessment, treatment, care, and rehabilitation for people experiencing significant mental health difficulties who are involved with the criminal justice system and/or who may present a risk of offending.
We work at the interface between mental health and justice, supporting people on their recovery journey while promoting safety, wellbeing, and community reintegration.
Our service also provides specialist mental health advice and assessments to courts, prisons, and other agencies, including assessments relating to a person's mental health, fitness to stand trial, and criminal responsibility.
We are committed to delivering care that balances recovery, dignity, and individual rights with our responsibilities to support public safety. For people subject to legal orders, including Special Patients, care is provided within a framework of clinical, legal, and security requirements that support both treatment and rehabilitation.
What We Do
We provide specialist forensic mental health care through a multidisciplinary team committed to supporting recovery, promoting wellbeing, and reducing barriers to successful community living. Our approach is person-centred, recovery-focused, culturally responsive, and guided by evidence-based practice.
We work alongside tāngata whaiora, their whānau, and other support networks to develop meaningful goals, build strengths, and support rehabilitation and reintegration wherever possible.
Cultural wellbeing is an important part of recovery. Our service includes Kaiārahi/Kaioranga Hauora (Cultural Workers) and works closely with Māori Mental Health Services to ensure tāngata whaiora and their whānau have access to culturally safe and responsive support throughout their care journey.
Services We Provide
We provide a range of specialist forensic mental health services through several clinical teams, including:
- Forensic Mental Health Inpatient Unit (Ward 9A)
- Community Forensic Mental Health Team (CMHT)
- Court Liaison Team
- Prison Liaison Team
- Clinical Team supporting our forensic mental health step-down house (Ahuru Mowai)
Community Forensic Mental Health Team (CMHT)
Our Community Forensic Mental Health Team provides specialist forensic mental health assessment, consultation, and support for people living in the community.
Where referral criteria are met, the team offers forensic mental health advice and clinical input for:
- People based predominantly within Otago Corrections Facility, Invercargill Prison, and other correctional settings on a case-by-case basis
- People involved with or engaging in the justice system
- People transitioning to, or living within, independent or supported accommodation environments
- Selected situations where specialist forensic mental health expertise is requested to support ongoing care and recovery in the community
Southland Hospital provides Community Forensic Mental Health Services.
Youth Forensic Services are provided by a mobile service based out of Southland Hospital and 8 Moray Place, Dunedin. For more information, please see Southern DHB Child & Youth Mental Health Services.
Staff
Our highly skilled specialist multidisciplinary team provides intensive treatment, education, and support within a safe, supportive, and secure environment that promotes recovery and wellbeing. The team works collaboratively with tangata whaiora, whānau, and significant supports, with a strong commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The care we provide is underpinned by recovery-focused practice and Recovery Competencies. Recovery is recognised as supporting a person to live a meaningful and fulfilling life, regardless of the presence or absence of ongoing mental health challenges. It involves fostering hope, identifying and building on strengths, supporting autonomy, and celebrating progress and achievement.
The Forensic Mental Health Service is committed to providing high-quality care aligned with best practice standards and relevant Health and Disability Service Standards.
Fees and Charges Categorisation
Free, Fees apply
Fees and Charges Description
There are no fees for services to public patients if you are lawfully in New Zealand and meet one of the eligibility criteria set by the Ministry of Health. If you do not meet the criteria, you will be required to pay for the full cost of any medical treatment you receive during your stay.
To check whether you meet the specified eligibility criteria, visit the Ministry of Health website www.moh.govt.nz/eligibility
Hours
Southland Hospital, Invercargill
8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
| Mon – Fri | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
|---|
For out of hours crisis response, please call 0800 46 78 46.
Languages Spoken
English
Programmes
Ward 9A, located at Wakari Hospital in Dunedin, is a 15-bed medium secure forensic mental health unit serving the Otago and Southland regions. The service provides assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery-focused care for people involved in the justice system who require inpatient mental health support. Care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team comprising psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, mental health assistants, and other allied health professionals. The service places a strong emphasis on therapeutic engagement, family/whānau involvement, and supporting successful reintegration into the community.
Ward 9A, located at Wakari Hospital in Dunedin, is a 15-bed medium secure forensic mental health unit serving the Otago and Southland regions. The service provides assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery-focused care for people involved in the justice system who require inpatient mental health support. Care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team comprising psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, mental health assistants, and other allied health professionals. The service places a strong emphasis on therapeutic engagement, family/whānau involvement, and supporting successful reintegration into the community.
- Programme Areas
Mental health
- Programme Type
Forensic
- Regions
Waitaki, Southland, Central Lakes, Dunedin - South Otago
- Age Groups
Adult / Pakeke
- Referral Types
Health NZ clinical services, Corrections
Referral Process
Southern Forensic Services has referral pathways with Corrections (for people residing in Otago Correctional Facility and Invercargill prison) and with the Ministry of Justice (for people referred for Justice/ Court Liaison Nurse input or health assessor reports) and Adult Mental health services in few cases.
Within the health system, we are a tertiary service, and we generally provide input where people are already under the care of a secondary mental health service.
Location: Wakari Hospital, Dunedin
Description
Ward 9A, located at Wakari Hospital in Dunedin, is a 15-bed medium secure forensic mental health unit serving the Otago and Southland regions. The service provides assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery-focused care for people involved in the justice system who require inpatient mental health support.
Care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team comprising psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, mental health assistants, and other allied health professionals. The service places a strong emphasis on therapeutic engagement, family/whānau involvement, and supporting successful reintegration into the community.
- Forensic Mental Health Service - Useful Information (PDF, 533.1 KB)
-
Ward 9A (Wakari Hospital) Brochure
(PDF, 475.5 KB)
Ward 9A is located at Wakari Hospital
Note: PDF downloads require the free Adobe Reader application to view.
Forensic psychiatry provides specialist assessment, treatment, and ongoing management for people whose mental health difficulties may contribute to behaviours that place them at risk of offending, or who have become involved with the justice system. The service works to support recovery, wellbeing, risk management, and safe reintegration into the community where appropriate. Our multidisciplinary team includes: Registered Nurse / Mental Health Assistant Social Worker Occupational Therapist Psychologist Forensic Psychiatrist Māori Health Advisor / Kaumātua Assessment and Treatment Comprehensive mental health assessments are completed collaboratively with the tangata whaiora (person seeking wellness). Individualised treatment and recovery plans are developed to support each person’s specific needs, strengths, goals, and wellbeing. Support and Ongoing Care Ongoing support, treatment, and education are provided to tangata whaiora, their whānau/support people, and relevant community agencies. Care is recovery-focused, culturally responsive, and aimed at supporting stability, safety, and meaningful community participation. Discharge Planning Regular reviews are undertaken throughout a person’s care. Discharge planning occurs collaboratively with the tangata whaiora and involved supports to help ensure appropriate follow-up care, community supports, and continuity of treatment are in place.
Forensic psychiatry provides specialist assessment, treatment, and ongoing management for people whose mental health difficulties may contribute to behaviours that place them at risk of offending, or who have become involved with the justice system. The service works to support recovery, wellbeing, risk management, and safe reintegration into the community where appropriate. Our multidisciplinary team includes: Registered Nurse / Mental Health Assistant Social Worker Occupational Therapist Psychologist Forensic Psychiatrist Māori Health Advisor / Kaumātua Assessment and Treatment Comprehensive mental health assessments are completed collaboratively with the tangata whaiora (person seeking wellness). Individualised treatment and recovery plans are developed to support each person’s specific needs, strengths, goals, and wellbeing. Support and Ongoing Care Ongoing support, treatment, and education are provided to tangata whaiora, their whānau/support people, and relevant community agencies. Care is recovery-focused, culturally responsive, and aimed at supporting stability, safety, and meaningful community participation. Discharge Planning Regular reviews are undertaken throughout a person’s care. Discharge planning occurs collaboratively with the tangata whaiora and involved supports to help ensure appropriate follow-up care, community supports, and continuity of treatment are in place.
- Programme Areas
Mental health
- Programme Type
Forensic
- Regions
Waitaki, Southland, Central Lakes, Dunedin - South Otago
- Age Groups
Adult / Pakeke
- Referral Types
Health NZ clinical services, Corrections
Referral Process
Southern Forensic Services has referral pathways with Corrections (for people residing in Otago Correctional Facility and Invercargill prison) and with the Ministry of Justice (for people referred for Justice/ Court Liaison Nurse input or health assessor reports) and Adult Mental health services in few cases.
Description
Forensic psychiatry provides specialist assessment, treatment, and ongoing management for people whose mental health difficulties may contribute to behaviours that place them at risk of offending, or who have become involved with the justice system. The service works to support recovery, wellbeing, risk management, and safe reintegration into the community where appropriate.
Our multidisciplinary team includes:
- Registered Nurse / Mental Health Assistant
- Social Worker
- Occupational Therapist
- Psychologist
- Forensic Psychiatrist
- Māori Health Advisor / Kaumātua
Assessment and Treatment
Comprehensive mental health assessments are completed collaboratively with the tangata whaiora (person seeking wellness). Individualised treatment and recovery plans are developed to support each person’s specific needs, strengths, goals, and wellbeing.
Support and Ongoing Care
Ongoing support, treatment, and education are provided to tangata whaiora, their whānau/support people, and relevant community agencies. Care is recovery-focused, culturally responsive, and aimed at supporting stability, safety, and meaningful community participation.
Discharge Planning
Regular reviews are undertaken throughout a person’s care. Discharge planning occurs collaboratively with the tangata whaiora and involved supports to help ensure appropriate follow-up care, community supports, and continuity of treatment are in place.
-
Community Forensic Mental Health Team (Southland) Brochure
(PDF, 489.7 KB)
This team covers the Southland region
-
Community Forensic Mental Health Team (Otago) Brochure
(PDF, 462.6 KB)
This team covers Central Lakes, Dunedin - South Otago and Waitaki regions
Note: PDF downloads require the free Adobe Reader application to view.
The service provides: Initial informal Court reports that include mental state examination and risk assessment. Support / guidance on relevant legislation. Provide recommendations to the Courts. Arranges formal Court reports with the Forensic Psychiatrist. Treatment and follow-up in conjunction with Forensic Psychiatrist. Support and education to clients and family/whānau. Cultural input/consultation. Provide liaison, support and education for clients and staff within the Justice system. Liaison and referrals to other agencies, if appropriate, including: Child and Family Therapy Service Alcohol and Drug Service Psychological counselling Liaison with Prison Liaison Nurse for sentenced/remand inmates who require support.
The service provides: Initial informal Court reports that include mental state examination and risk assessment. Support / guidance on relevant legislation. Provide recommendations to the Courts. Arranges formal Court reports with the Forensic Psychiatrist. Treatment and follow-up in conjunction with Forensic Psychiatrist. Support and education to clients and family/whānau. Cultural input/consultation. Provide liaison, support and education for clients and staff within the Justice system. Liaison and referrals to other agencies, if appropriate, including: Child and Family Therapy Service Alcohol and Drug Service Psychological counselling Liaison with Prison Liaison Nurse for sentenced/remand inmates who require support.
- Programme Areas
Mental health
- Programme Type
Forensic
- Regions
Waitaki, Southland, Central Lakes, Dunedin - South Otago
- Age Groups
Adult / Pakeke
- Referral Types
Self referral, GP, Health NZ clinical services, Corrections
Description
The service provides:
- Initial informal Court reports that include mental state examination and risk assessment.
- Support / guidance on relevant legislation.
- Provide recommendations to the Courts.
- Arranges formal Court reports with the Forensic Psychiatrist.
- Treatment and follow-up in conjunction with Forensic Psychiatrist.
- Support and education to clients and family/whānau.
- Cultural input/consultation.
- Provide liaison, support and education for clients and staff within the Justice system.
- Liaison and referrals to other agencies, if appropriate, including:
- Child and Family Therapy Service
- Alcohol and Drug Service
- Psychological counselling
- Liaison with Prison Liaison Nurse for sentenced/remand inmates who require support.
-
Community Forensic Mental Health Team (Southland) Brochure
(PDF, 489.7 KB)
This team covers the Southland region
-
Community Forensic Mental Health Team (Otago) Brochure
(PDF, 462.6 KB)
This team covers Central Lakes, Dunedin - South Otago and Waitaki regions
Note: PDF downloads require the free Adobe Reader application to view.
This service provides: Access to a Forensic Psychiatrist on a regular basis. Mental health assessment, treatment, and risk management. Access, where appropriate, to a Forensic Social Worker for support, collateral information gathering, and whānau engagement. Coordination of court-ordered psychiatric assessments. Ongoing treatment and follow-up in collaboration with the Forensic Psychiatrist. Support and education for tangata whaiora and their whānau/support people. Cultural input and consultation where required. Liaison, support, and education for people in custody and Department of Corrections staff. Collaboration with prison health staff and communication with the Medical Officer following outpatient appointments with the Forensic Psychiatrist. Liaison with external agencies where additional support may be beneficial, including Child and Family Services, Alcohol and Other Drug Services, and Psychological Services. Collaboration with the Court Liaison Service for people on remand requiring mental health support. Maintenance of relevant clinical documentation within prison health records.
This service provides: Access to a Forensic Psychiatrist on a regular basis. Mental health assessment, treatment, and risk management. Access, where appropriate, to a Forensic Social Worker for support, collateral information gathering, and whānau engagement. Coordination of court-ordered psychiatric assessments. Ongoing treatment and follow-up in collaboration with the Forensic Psychiatrist. Support and education for tangata whaiora and their whānau/support people. Cultural input and consultation where required. Liaison, support, and education for people in custody and Department of Corrections staff. Collaboration with prison health staff and communication with the Medical Officer following outpatient appointments with the Forensic Psychiatrist. Liaison with external agencies where additional support may be beneficial, including Child and Family Services, Alcohol and Other Drug Services, and Psychological Services. Collaboration with the Court Liaison Service for people on remand requiring mental health support. Maintenance of relevant clinical documentation within prison health records.
- Programme Areas
Mental health
- Programme Type
Forensic
- Regions
Waitaki, Southland, Central Lakes, Dunedin - South Otago
- Age Groups
Adult / Pakeke
- Referral Types
Health NZ clinical services, Corrections
Referral Process
The Prison Liaison Service supports people in custody whose behaviour, emotional wellbeing, or mental health is causing concern.
Referrals may be received from prison health staff or Medical Officers, Corrections staff, lawyers, Community Probation Services, and other Mental Health Services.
People in custody will be seen within 24 hours of referral, or the next working day.
Description
This service provides:
- Access to a Forensic Psychiatrist on a regular basis.
- Mental health assessment, treatment, and risk management.
- Access, where appropriate, to a Forensic Social Worker for support, collateral information gathering, and whānau engagement.
- Coordination of court-ordered psychiatric assessments.
- Ongoing treatment and follow-up in collaboration with the Forensic Psychiatrist.
- Support and education for tangata whaiora and their whānau/support people.
- Cultural input and consultation where required.
- Liaison, support, and education for people in custody and Department of Corrections staff.
- Collaboration with prison health staff and communication with the Medical Officer following outpatient appointments with the Forensic Psychiatrist.
- Liaison with external agencies where additional support may be beneficial, including Child and Family Services, Alcohol and Other Drug Services, and Psychological Services.
- Collaboration with the Court Liaison Service for people on remand requiring mental health support.
- Maintenance of relevant clinical documentation within prison health records.
-
Community Forensic Mental Health Team (Southland) Brochure
(PDF, 489.7 KB)
This team covers the Southland region
-
Community Forensic Mental Health Team (Otago) Brochure
(PDF, 462.6 KB)
This team covers Central Lakes, Dunedin - South Otago and Waitaki regions
Note: PDF downloads require the free Adobe Reader application to view.
Additional Details
Face to face / Kanohi ki te Kanohi
Document Downloads
-
Tell Us What You Think
(PDF, 555.6 KB)
Compliments, suggestions, concerns, complaints
- Forensic Mental Health Service - Useful Information (PDF, 533.1 KB)
-
Ward 9A (Wakari Hospital) Brochure
(DOC, 541.5 KB)
Ward 9A is located at Wakari Hospital
-
Community Forensic Mental Health Team (Southland) Brochure
(PDF, 489.7 KB)
This team covers the Southland region
-
Community Forensic Mental Health Team (Otago) Brochure
(PDF, 462.6 KB)
This team covers Central Lakes, Dunedin - South Otago and Waitaki regions
Contact Details
Southland Hospital, Invercargill
Southland
8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
-
24-Hour Freephone
0800 44 33 66
Southland Hospital
Mental Health Services,
Elles Rd (Gate 2)
Invercargill 9812
Street Address
Southland Hospital
Mental Health Services,
Elles Rd (Gate 2)
Invercargill 9812
Postal Address
PO Box 828
Invercargill
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This page was last updated at 12:42PM on June 4, 2026. This information is reviewed and edited by Forensic Services | Southern.