Kia ora, My name is Dr. Laura Howard. I am a Clinical Psychologist ​based in the Manawatu.

I have been working as a Clinical Psychologist since 2010 and have ​held various roles including working at Child, Adolescent and Family ​Mental Health services, Oranga Hinengaro Māori (Both for ​Palmerston North DHB, now Te Whatu Ora) as well as working in ​private practise; including work with survivors of sexual abuse, ​people from NZDF, Medical Practitioners, providing supervision both ​within and outside of mental health services as well as with ​individuals (children, youth and adults) and families for support and ​treatment for a variety of difficulties and concerns/queries.

I am a member of the New Zealand College of Clinical ​Psychologists. I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in ​2010.

I provide a gentle and warm service, which is evidence-based and ​professionally driven, with a hint of humour where appropriate, that ​nourishes the growth and development of every individual, family ​and group I work with. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you ​to discuss whether I might be the right fit for you and what your ​treatment plan may look like.

Ko Taupiri te Maunga

Ko Waikato te Awa

Ko Potatau te tangata

He piko, He Taniwha!

He piko, He Taniwha!

Ko Ngati Whanaunga, Ngati Maniapoto me ​Ngati Paoa oku Iwi

Ko Laura Howard toku ingoa

• I provide psychological therapy and assessment ​services through a largely CBT focussed lense, ​in conjunction with DBT informed practise ​amongst other modalities, to tailor treatment ​plans to suit each individual.
  
• I offer mental health diagnostic assessment ​interviews and reports
• I am an ACC approved service provider
• Supervision for mental health providers
• Supervision for other professionals including ​lawyers and medical staff
• I work with children, youth and adults

So, what actually happens..

Once I have received your referral (self-referrals welcome or via GP/agency). I will ​contact you to offer you an appointment time (or to advise when a space may be ​available) to meet to first discuss your needs/goals and current concerns or ​difficulties.

During a first appointment you can expect to discuss what brings you to therapy as ​well as to consider and reflect on questions about your life experiences to inform ​treatment planning and goals. Questions are asked to inform best practise, with ​recognition that some topics/questions need not be addressed in a first appointment ​and you will be in control of content covered.

Consent, confidentiality and safety will also be discussed.

If suitable, and you choose to pursue working alongside me, we will then look at ​booking further appointments.

It is essential that you feel at ease working alongside me and if I am not a suitable ​therapy provider for you we can discuss alternate options in the community.

Please note I do not offer a crisis service. Clients who are needing urgent or acute care ​or mental health support services need to contact 0800 653 357 for Acute MH ​support (via Te Whatu Ora) or 111 in an emergency or seek referral to your local hospital ​mental health team either via self-referral or through your GP.

How many sessions will I need and what will it cost?...

Sometimes a brief intervention of 2-6 sessions can assist in coping with a specific query, sudden stress or changes and that ​is sufficient to meet client need. On the other hand, those dealing with long-term concerns or difficulties or seeking ​diagnosis, may require 10 or more sessions and in some cases input may span over a year or more.

Anticipated length of therapy will be discussed with you in your initial appointments.

Private Payments

A standard appointment (session) is 50 minutes long and costs $180 (plus GST; total cost $207).

Cancellations within 24 hours are charged at a full session rate.

Supervision session/s are also 50 minutes long and cost $180 (plus GST; total cost $207).

Current Availability:

Please note Client availability full (please check back often)

Still available for assessments

Telehealth

Laura can offer online video appointments to increase accessibility to the service across NZ for individuals outside the region/ ​located in remote areas/ or for those for whom this modality is their preference.

Telehealth appointments are 50 minutes long and $180 per appointment plus GST ($207 total).

Supports for payment:

If you are an ACC client, ACC covers costs of therapy engagement under their contracts. Discuss with your case manager if ​you are eligible for funded input. WINZ, insurance companies and workplaces may also have processes in place to cover or ​subsidise therapy costs. Please discuss this in advance of making contact so you know what is available to you if possible.

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