Free or Low Cost Counselling
Where finances are a serious issue our therapists will do their best to find a way to help you. Where possible this may include
- suggesting funding sources
- reducing their fees
- referring you to an appropriate community or government service
Please contact a therapist and discuss your particular circumstance. Some alternatives include:
Work and Income Funding (WINZ)
If you are a student, on a benefit or low income you may be eligible for a Work and Income (WINZ) allowance that provides a subsidy of up to $52.38 a session.
ACC Funding
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) will fund some counselling or psychotherapy particularly that relating to physical injury, sexual abuse, or sexual assault.
Employer Funding
Since workplace stress was legally recognised as a workplace hazard many employers have EAP (Employee assistance programs) that will pay a for number of free counselling sessions for either workplace or personal issues. This generally needs to arranged via your human resources (HR) department.
Other free or low cost services
GP Services
Doctors that are part of the ProCare Group can access some free services through ProCare. Give you GP's office a call and check with the practice nurse.
CADS - Community Alcohol and Drug Services
Free assessment a treatment for alcohol an drug issues is available though CADS - the government funded Community Alcohol and Drug Services.
Student Services
Most of the universities, polytechnics and even private providers offer free counselling for their students. Check on the their website for details.
Family Court Counselling
The Family Court will fund some free counselling for individuals or couples who are having relationship problems. This is available for all couples, whether they are married, in a civil union, living together, separated or divorced, and whether heterosexual or same-sex. Helen (Herne Bay) & Hamish (Te Atatu) and Caroline (Glen Eden) are court approved. Contact them for more details.
Government Mental Health Services
There are a range of mental health services funded by the government through the district health boards. GP's, therapists and other health professionals can offer referrals to these services.
Community Counselling Services
There are a variety of community funded organisations that provide free or low-cost counselling such as Lifeline Youthline or Home and Family Counselling as well as a number of charitable organisations and churches. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau should know the options in your area.
Online Services
The Low Down is a New Zealand depression website that allows you to chat online to a counselllor
Victim Support Counselling
Victim Support provides emotional support, counselling, personal advocacy and information to all people effected by crime and trauma throughout New Zealand.
Intern Therapists
AUT offers low cost therapy with a intern therapist at Psychotherapy Clinic in their North Shore campus.
Barnardos Family Services
Barnardos offers some low cost services for children and families.
Still more options...
See our Useful Links page for a range of website for various services.
Find a Therapist
Learn more about Issues we deal with, Counselling Services we offer, see a map of Therapist Locations or find Auckland Therapist by suburb.