Central Region Eating Disorder Services (CREDS)

CREDS services are available to those living in the Wellington, Manawatu-Wanganui and Hawke’s Bay districts.

We provide a range of treatment and support services for people with eating disorders, from dietetic support right through to residential care.

You can read more about eating disorders and find links to resources and diagnostic criteria on the Health Navigator website.

You may also find it helpful to read our questions and answers about identifying and supporting people with possible eating disorders.

For people living in the Wellington region

Once we have received your completed forms, we will contact you to arrange a time for a face-to-face appointment with a member of our team. We will then discuss the treatment options available to you.

Please be aware that we have a waiting list for our service. The length of wait varies depending on the service.

Forms for people living in the Wellington region

• Self Assessment Form
• Pre Assessment Medical Review Form

Completed forms should be sent to:

Central Region Eating Disorder Services (CREDS)
Hutt Valley District Health Board
Private Bag 31 907
High Street
Lower Hutt

For people living in the Palmerston North, Hawkes Bay or Whanganui regions

Your local Community Mental Health Team can refer you to our services. Please contact them to request an appointment.

Forms for people living in the Palmerston North, Hawkes Bay or Whanganui regions

• Self Assessment Form
• Pre Assessment Medical Review Form

Completed forms need to be sent to your local Community Mental Health team.

Referral information for health professionals

To refer a client to our service, you first need to send us their completed Self Assessment Form and Pre Assessment Medical Review Form (use the correct version above depending on the client’s location).

We will then contact the client directly to arrange a time for a face-to-face appointment and will discuss treatment options with them.

For clients, whānau and the community

We provide a range of treatment and support services for people with eating disorders, from dietetic support through to residential care. We also provide information and support for friends and family members.

For health professionals

We provide consultation, liaison, supervision and training for health and helping professionals.

We have a full range of treatment options available. The information gathered throughout our intake and assessment processes will enable us to determine which combination of our services will be appropriate for you.

Our therapists can provide individual, group or family therapy

Individual therapy is our most common form of therapy, our clinicians are trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches in keeping with best practice guidelines. We see clients at our rooms in Johnsonville, Wellington. 

If a person is under 18 and living at home we recommend Family Based Therapy (FBT). Our family-centred treatment is called the Maudsley Model and originated in the United Kingdom in the 1970s. It empowers the family to be closely involved in the recovery process and involves all family members living at home. You can find out more about the Maudsley Model here.

Our clinical services

All clients are required to have their physical health monitored by a GP.

Our dietitian educates people about healthy eating and nutrition, as well as monitoring the person’s weight and eating patterns.

Our psychiatrist is available to carry out psychiatric assessments, and in some cases prescribe medication.

Day programme

The day programme provides an intensive schedule of therapy and meal support. Our supportive environment assists people with eating disorders to regulate and normalise their eating behaviours and to explore the development of their illness. The programme supports clients to build on their strengths and to learn new ways of coping. 

The number of days each client attends the programme is flexible and will be decided in consultation with the individual and the team.

Residential services

Our six-bed residence provides a warm, welcoming and homely environment for clients and their visitors. When a client comes into the residence they initially start with a 2 week-assessment and stay on average for 2 to 3 months. The residential stay is only part of the journey of recovery.

The residence operates 7 days a week and is staffed 24-hours per day. 

Our clinic is based in Johnsonville, Wellington.

To refer a client to our service, please contact us directly using the following details:

• Postal address: PO Box 31 907, Lower Hutt
• Phone: 0800 841 020 or 04 587 2957
• Email: creds@mhaids.health.nz

We are not an emergency service

If you have urgent concerns about your own health or that of a family member or friend with an eating disorder, you should contact a doctor, an after-hours medical centre or your local Community Assessment Treatment (CAT) Team.

If you or the person you are concerned about is in Wellington, Porirua, Kāpiti, the Hutt Valley or the Wairarapa, and need urgent help after hours, call MHAIDS on 0800 745 477 or find other options for support here.