The Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists is deeply concerned by this week's announcement that Relationships Aotearoa is being closed down.

With others who have expressed concern we add our voice over both the closure and the hasty manner in which it has been done. The transfer of services to other agencies may put some clients at risk and will prematurely end trusted therapeutic relationships if the client- therapist relationship is terminated in order to transfer care to new agencies and staff.

Canterbury people still have a need for ongoing counselling services for those affected by the effects of the earthquakes. It is imperative that Earthquake counselling is continued until its contracted end and that clients are able to continue in their established relationship with their therapist. The CDHB reports it is experiencing unprecedented increases in the need for mental health services. We believe the psychological and emotional care of our community needs to continue to be a priority.

Counselling and psychotherapy are not commodities to be negotiated to the lowest bidder, they are a specialist health service that values and respects peoples need for an ongoing private, trusting relationship to work through emotional health needs.

- Scoop NZ