Welcome to the ACFB Fund
The charitable side of A Change for Better, the ACFB Fund seeks to fill the gaps in the current New Zealand mental health system.
Use the buttons below to either apply for support from the ACFB Fund or, if you are a professional, to become ACFB Fund approved.
Making Mental Health Support Accessible
At The ACFB Fund, we believe that everyone deserves access to mental health support and resources, regardless of their circumstances. Our mission is to break down barriers and foster a society that embraces inclusivity, resilience, and well-being.
How We Make a Difference
1. Mental Health Therapy: Through generous donations and fundraising efforts, The ACFB Fund provides mental health support to individuals who require mental health therapy but may not have the means to access it by funding their sessions via ACFB Fund vetted professionals.
2. ADHD and Autism Assessments: With the help of Psychological Services team, we can offer discounted ADHD and Autism assessments without the wait times of other providers.
3. ACFB Accredited Clinics: We partner with Accredited ACFB Clinics, ensuring that individuals can connect with trusted professionals who are dedicated to providing accessible therapy.
4. Tech for Therapy: We believe in the power of technology to break barriers. Our Tech for Therapy Program equips therapists and clients with the necessary technology and education to engage in online therapy effectively.
The ACFB Fund Process
Complete the form and submit to the ACFB Fund for review and approval.
The ACFB Fund approves the application and allocates fee for service.
Meet the Clinical Diagnostic Team
Here are some of the faces of the Psychologists helping make our ADHD/Autism assessment program a success. To see more about the other team members making things happen go here:
Dr. Natalie Peart
Clinical Psychologist
Natalie holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Auckland. She has many years of experience working with ADHD and autism in the community and private organisation, working across all age ranges. Natalie is also a Research Fellow at the University of Auckland and enjoys performing in theatre and playing netball.
Amber Stapleton
Psychologist
Amber is a General Psychologist registered in NZ and Australia, and is located in the Bay of Plenty. She has extensively worked in Paediatrics and Private Practice, undertaking comprehensive ADHD, ASD, Education and Cognitive Assessments for children, adolescents, and adults.
Kiia Naidoo
Educational Psychologist
Kiia comes with a wealth of experience running ADHD and autism assessments at her role with the Ministry of Education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psych), Masters of Applied Social Work, Post Graduate Certificate in Educational and Developmental Psychology, and Post Graduate Diploma in Educational and Developmental Psychology.
Sarah Harrison
Psychologist
Sarah has 4 years experience in special education, providing behaviour support and psychological services to children and youth with existing diagnoses. Sarah is joining our team as an Intern Psychologist to develop her skills in conducting initial assessments for our neurodivergent population.
Kate Nitschke
Educational Psychologist
Kate has nearly ten years experience as an Educational Psychologist working with the Ministry of Education and within a girls’ secondary school. Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Education), a Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology, a Masters in Educational Psychology, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology Practice.
Dr. Chris Neuenfeldt
Clinical Psychologist
Chris holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and has been providing ADHD assessments through his private practice since moving to New Zealand from the US. Chris lives and practices in Queenstown. Chris is also a researcher, having authored papers on telehealth and EMDR with sexual abuse survivors.
About: The ACFB Fund
Our Mission:
Our mission is two-fold: To support individuals in need of mental health therapy who may not otherwise qualify for resources, and to empower mental health professionals to make a lasting impact in their communities. By bridging the gap between those in need and dedicated clinicians, we facilitate a network of care that fosters growth, healing, and resilience.
Our Vision:
At A Change for Better and The ACFB Fund, we value community, accessibility, education, and innovation. Our vision is to make mental health support available to all, fostering a society that embraces inclusivity, resilience, and well-being.
Our Values:
Community (Tangata Whenua): Ensuring that ACFB is a bicultural organization, driven by the principles of Te Tiriti O Waitangi. We work with tangata whenua, making meaningful contributions to local communities through the accessibility of mental health support, education, and innovation.
Accessibility (Āheitanga): Breaking down barriers and ensuring mental health support is available to everyone, regardless of their circumstances, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
Education (Akoranga): Empowering individuals and communities with knowledge and skills to promote mental well-being, fostering an informed and educated approach to mental health support.
Innovation (Tangongitanga): Embracing innovation to create transformative solutions, addressing the ever-evolving challenges in mental health care, and striving for better outcomes.
