Counselling & Wellbeing Support

Living with or supporting someone with a progressive neuromuscular condition comes with unique physical and emotional challenges. You don’t have to navigate them alone.

Through our partnership with TELUS Health, MDANZ provides free, fully funded, and confidential counselling and wellbeing support for eligible members and their whānau across New Zealand.

  • Eligible members and primary family carers receive up to 3 funded sessions every 12 months. (All funded sessions are reliant on available MDANZ funding allocations.)

  • If you need further support beyond 3 sessions, your counsellor can submit a funding extension request to MDANZ (subject to clinical review and available funds). You may also choose to continue at your own expense.

  • You must be a registered MDANZ member or a recognised family carer of a member. If you don’t know your membership number, contact National Office on 0800 800 337 or email info@mda.org.nz.

1-on-1 counselling

Up to 3 funded, 1-hour sessions per year with matched professional clinicians.

Family & whānau support

Support extends to immediate family and carers helping navigate difficult news or stress.

Digital wellbeing platform

24/7 access to self-guided CBT modules, articles, podcasts, and health assessments.

How to book a session

Step 1: Reach out

Freephone: 0800 360 364
(24/7 support)

Email: wellbeingsupport@telushealth.com (Monitored during standard business hours)

Step 2: Answer a few questions

When you connect with the dedicated wellbeing team, they will ask a few straightforward questions to match you with the right clinician:

  • Your name and contact details

  • Whether you prefer face-to-face, phone, or virtual sessions

  • Preference for a male or female counsellor

  • A brief outline of what you’d like support with, e.g., stress, relationship changes, grief

Step 3: Get matched

TELUS Health will pair you with a qualified clinician close to home or available online who best suits your needs.

How support can help

Counselling provides a safe, non-judgmental space to talk through whatever is on your mind. Common areas include:

  • Navigating Diagnosis & Change: Processing difficult news, life transitions, or progressive changes.

  • Mental Wellbeing: Managing everyday stress, burnout, anxiety, or low mood.

  • Relationships & Communication: Guidance on family dynamics, parenting, or challenging conversations.

  • Inclusive & Specialised Care: TELUS Health clinicians are experienced in supporting neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+, culturally diverse, vision/hearing impaired, and disabled individuals.

The digital wellbeing platform & CareNow

In addition to 1-on-1 sessions, MDANZ members and family members have free, unlimited access to the TELUS Health digital platform.

  • CareNow CBT Modules: Self-guided Cognitive Behavioral Therapy programmes covering sleep quality, managing stress, and working effectively from home.

  • Total Health Score: A confidential digital assessment tool to help you understand your overall wellbeing and track positive habits.

  • Resource Library: Articles, podcasts, infographics, and videos covering family, health, finances, and life balance.

How to access the platform:

1. Download the TELUS Health One app:

2. Open the app and select “Log In” (do not select Sign Up). As an MDANZ member, your access is already active and pre-funded.

3. Enter our shared login credentials:
Username: MDANZ Password: wellbeing