Totally Psyched

30/04/2026

Receiving an Autism diagnosis can be a meaningful step toward deeper understanding, but it can also bring new questions. We’re here to help.

At Totally Psyched, we offer practical, strengths-based support for individuals, families, and educators to build confidence and effective strategies moving forward.

How we can support you:

Parenting Support
Feel informed and empowered with guidance on communication, emotional regulation, routines, sensory needs, and strengthening connection at home.

Understanding the Autistic Brain
Gain insight into sensory processing, communication styles, executive functioning, and emotional regulation—helping you work with the brain, not against it.

Support for Teachers & Schools
We partner with educators to create inclusive environments through tailored classroom strategies, communication support, and practical tools for engagement and transitions.

Individualised Approach
Every person is unique. Our support is personalised, collaborative, and focused on real-life strategies that make a difference.

If you’re navigating life after an Autism diagnosis, you don’t have to do it alone.

Get in touch to learn more or book an initial consultation. https://www.psyched.org.nz/contact-us/

22/04/2026

Welcome to the Totally Psyched Team!

We are excited to introduce three new members joining the Totally Psyched whānau, Lara Grace, Danielle Clark, and Skyler Watt.

Each brings a wealth of experience, warmth, and a strong commitment to supporting children, young people, and their families.

Lara Grace – Senior Counselling Psychologist
Lara is passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and their whānau to build confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of self. She takes a strengths-based approach, helping young people recognise their potential while navigating life’s challenges.

Danielle Clark – Psychologist
Danielle brings experience in community mental health and a strong interest in supporting neurodivergent young people, including ADHD, anxiety, and self-confidence concerns. She works in a collaborative, client-centred way, focusing on practical strategies for meaningful change.

Skyler Watt – Counselling Psychologist

Skyler is a neurodiversity-affirming practitioner who provides a warm, supportive space for young people and families. He integrates evidence-based approaches to help clients build skills, resilience, and wellbeing in a practical and accessible way.

📅 Therapy bookings are available now

Families can self-refer directly via our website or get in touch with our team to book an appointment.

🌐 www.psyched.org.nz

20/04/2026

Parenting a child with ADHD can feel overwhelming at times, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Our Parenting the ADHD Brain webinar course is designed to give you practical tools, real understanding, and confidence to support your child in a way that truly works for their brain.

✨ Learn at your own pace, in your own time
✨ Gain insight into how the ADHD brain functions
✨ Discover strategies to reduce stress and build connection
✨ Feel more empowered in your parenting journey

This course is accessible to everyone and created to meet you where you are — whether you're just starting to explore ADHD or looking to deepen your understanding.

Support your child. Strengthen your approach. Empower yourself.

Find out more and register online today https://www.psyched.org.nz/courses/parenting-the-adhd-brain-complete-workshop/https://www.psyched.org.nz/courses/parenting-the-adhd-brain-complete-workshop/https://www.psyched.org.nz/courses/parenting-the-adhd-brain-complete-workshop/

15/04/2026

At Totally Psyched, our team days are more than just time out of the clinic — they’re a reflection of who we are and what we value.

Connection and continuous learning sit at the heart of our practice. Taking the time to come together, share knowledge through professional development, and learn from one another strengthens not only our team, but the care we provide to our clients every day.

This week’s team day was the perfect blend — insightful PD presentations, meaningful conversations, and finishing off with a little friendly croquet competition (with some surprisingly competitive spirits!).

Investing in our people is investing in our clients. Grateful to work alongside such a passionate, engaged, and supportive team.

04/03/2026

We are thrilled to hear this news from Southerncross Health Society. This will mean that better access to assessments and support for families!

Southern Cross Health Insurance says ADHD and autism are once again covered under its policies, after an earlier decision to exclude them.

18/02/2026

Dr Sarah Watson had the pleasure of chatting with Jesse Mulligan on RNZ about ADHD, click the link below to listen.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/2019022284/expert-feature-everything-you-want-to-know-about-adhd

18/02/2026

We are excited to host A Hot Mess Workshop here at the Totally Psyched office in Takapuna.
Fiona is our wonderful ADHD coach and along with her colleague Dr Jacqui Johnson they have created an excellent workshop about ADHD and Menopause. To register please email hotmesshello@gmail.com

09/02/2026

A message from Dr Sarah Watson - Clinic Director for Totally Psyched , Board Member of AADPA and Clinical Advisor for ADHD New Zealand regarding the changes to ADHD care in New Zealand.

Dear Totally Psyched Whānau,
We are writing to let you know about upcoming national changes to ADHD prescribing and diagnostic rules, announced by the Ministry of Health, and—importantly—what this does and does not mean for families receiving care at Totally Psyched.

What’s changing nationally?
From 1 February 2026, changes to prescribing regulations will allow:
Specialist General Practitioners and Nurse Practitioners who have undergone the appropriate training to diagnose and prescribe for adults with ADHD, and
Nurse Practitioners working in paediatric or mental health services who have undergone the appropriate training to diagnose and prescribe for children and adolescents, provided this is within their scope of practice.
These changes are intended to improve access and reduce wait times for people living with ADHD across New Zealand.
In a recent media release the Ministry of Health has reassured the public that prescribing will continue to follow existing clinical and regulatory guidelines, and safeguards remain in place to ensure high-quality care and minimise medication misuse Ministry of Health - Changes to ADHD prescribing rules from 1 February 2026. Pharmac is also actively managing medication supply and exploring alternatives to support increasing demand.

It is important to note that:
Participation by GPs and Nurse Practitioners is voluntary
Not all clinicians will offer ADHD services
New services will develop gradually, as clinicians undertake training and build expertise in ADHD care

What does this mean for Totally Psyched families?
As a center of excellence for neuro-affirming neurodiverse care, nothing is changing in how ADHD care is delivered at Totally Psyched just yet.
Our assessment pathways, clinical standards, and prescribing practices remain exactly the same
ADHD diagnoses and medication decisions will continue to be overseen by our highly skilled Psychologists and Consultant Psychiatrists
Our multidisciplinary, evidence-based, and child-centered model of care remains unchanged
If a medication treatment option is preferred, this will be initiated as normal by our Consultant Psychiatrists and once optimally stabilized will be transferred for long term support by your family GP
These national changes are largely focused on improving adult ADHD access at this stage, rather than altering paediatric or adolescent specialist services such as ours.

Looking ahead
In line with these changes—and to further strengthen our service—we are actively seeking a Nurse Practitioner to join the Totally Psyched team, working alongside our Consultant Psychiatrists and broader multidisciplinary clinicians. This reflects our ongoing commitment to:
Safe, high-quality ADHD care
Timely access for families
Continuity and depth of clinical expertise
Offering cost effective options of care

Questions?
The Ministry of Health has released an information sheet addressing frequently asked questions, which we have attached for your reference MOH ADHD Changes Information Sheet 2026

As always, if you have questions or concerns about your child’s care, please don’t hesitate to contact our team—we are very happy to talk this through with you.

Warm regards,
Dr Sarah Watson, CEO & Senior Clinical Psychologist
On behalf of the Totally Psyched Team
Totally Psyched | Neurodiversity-affirming care for children, adolescents, and families

23/01/2026

Enrolments Now Open – Parenting the ADHD Brain

Parenting a child with ADHD can feel overwhelming at times — but you don’t have to do it alone.

Parenting the ADHD Brain is a 6-week group course, open to all parents and caregivers, designed to help you better understand your child’s brain and learn practical strategies that actually work with ADHD (not against it).

Join a supportive group of fellow parents and build confidence, clarity, and connection along the way.

This workshop will cover:
What ADHD is and how the ADHD brain works
What this means for parenting and daily life
The strengths of an ADHD brain
Managing emotional intensity and supporting regulation
Strategies to improve executive functioning at home
Responding effectively to impulsivity
Tools to support attention and executive skills
Navigating homework and school challenges
Addressing problem behaviours in ways that work with the ADHD brain

This is a practical, compassionate, and evidence-informed space to learn, reflect, and feel understood.

Open to all – you do not need to be a current client

6-week course | Limited spaces available

Enrolments are now open admin@psyched.org.nz or call 09 320 3086.

22/01/2026

Mind Over Matter Group info

Mind Over Matter is a CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) group for young people aged 13-18 who are facing anxiety and or depression related challenges, facilitated by our Clinical Psychologist Matt Peacock.
It is a 10-week course after school based in Takapuna Auckland.

Some of the things we will go through in the group include:

Better understanding and responding to emotions
Noticing how our thoughts affect us and learning how to make them more helpful
Overcoming challenges
Taking on opportunities
Managing interpersonal situations and increasing confidence and overall wellbeing.

We know it can be hard to come along to a group where you don’t know people and are not sure what to expect. We want to reassure you that you will be in a supportive and positive environment, with other young people who experience similar challenges.

To registered or for more information reach out to admin@psyched.org.nz or call on 09 320 3086

21/01/2026

Groups at Totally Psyched – Now Open for Enrolment

We’re thrilled to share that we have four specialist groups ready to go at Totally Psyched:

Mind Over Matter – 10 weeks Wed 3.30-5pm starting 11th Feb.
Parenting the ADHD Brain – 6 weeks Monday 4-6pm starting 23rd Feb
Wise Minds – 10 weeks Thursday 4-5.30pm starting 12th Feb
NEW: Parenting the AuDHD Brain – 8 weeks Friday 9.30-11am starting 13th Feb (almost full)

Over the next few days, we’ll be sharing more details about each group, including who they’re for and what you can expect.

These groups are open to everyone, not just current clients and are a cost-effective way for children and parents to access specialist support, practical strategies, and meaningful learning in a supportive environment.

To book or find out more, call 09 320 8036
Or email admin@psyched.org.nz

Spaces are limited, we look forward to supporting you and your family