Counselling
If you’re concerned about your mental wellbeing or the mental wellbeing of someone you care for, the best starting point is usually your GP (family doctor). GPs are trained to assess, treat and support you to manage your mental health. They can also refer you to community mental health services or specialist, if needed.
- To find low cost or free counselling in your area search the Family Services Directory, wellbeingsupport.health.nz, or contact your local Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB).
- Your GP or health practitioner can link you to local low-cost services. They can also support you to apply for a WINZ disability allowance that may include access to up to 10 free counselling sessions or to additional funding, if recommended.
- If you are in paid employment, you may have access to free confidential counselling through your company’s employee assistance programme (EAP) provider – talk to your employer.
- Most tertiary institutes (e.g., universities, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa) offer free counselling services.
- Local Women’s or Men’s Centres may have details of local low-cost counselling practices or offer low-cost counselling themselves.
- Local youth centres often have health hubs that offer counselling services.
- ACC funds support following sexual violence, if it occurred in New Zealand. Visit the Find Support website to find an ACC-registered therapist.
Updated 9/4/2026 from https://mentalhealth.org.nz/help/accessing-mental-health-services
Following is a listing of public and private counsellors and pyschologists who may be able to support you.