How can I find a counsellor who suits my needs?
Please note the Mental Health Foundation does not recommend particular organisations or individuals, but can provide a selection of those that we know of to allow you to make your own choice.
Tips for choosing a counsellor
Directories
Telecom Yellow Pages - Look under Counselling Services & Psychotherapists
Local Citizens Advice Bureau 0800 367 222 - some low cost options
Webhealth - Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Taranaki, Auckland, Waitemata, Counties Manukau and Canterbury.
Centres
- Community Mental Health Centres
Often have lists of recommended mental health professionals and counsellors. Contact details are listed in front of the phone book under ‘Hospitals and other health service providers'; in larger regions they are divided by DHB boundaries. - Local Women's or Men's Centres
May have a list of recommended counsellors, some of whom are ACC accredited and low cost.
Telephone Counselling and Helplines
- ACC Sensitive Claims 0800 735 566 - Mental effects of sexual abuse or assault.
- ADA - Alcohol Drug Association 0800 787 797
- Alcohol Helpline 0800 787 797
- Barnardos FAIR Centre 0800 164 455
- Family Information & Cot Death (SIDS) Parent-to-Parent helpline: 09 828 7576
- Barnados 0800 222 345
- KIDSLINE 0800 543 754
- Lifeline 0800 543 354
- Lifeline Email Counselling 0800 543 354
- Ministry of Health Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Ministry of Social Development Family Services 211 Helpline 0800 211 211
Access community help services that can help with issues relating to parenting, special needs, family support, family violence, custody and access, child behaviour, life skills, counselling, addiction, sexual abuse, grief and loss. - Narcotics Anonymous 0800 628 6329
- No Bully 0800 NO BULLY
- Plunket Line 0800 933 922
- Quit Line (smoking) 0800 778 778
- What's up 0800 942 8787
- Youthline 0800 376 633
Networks and Support Groups
Depressive Disorders Support Group (Waikato, 07 838 0199) info "at" ddsg.org.nz
Depression Support Network (Canterbury, 03 366 8083) depression.net "at" xtra.co.nz
Local Mental Health Consumer Networks
Associations and Societies
New Zealand Association of Counsellors 07 8340 220
NZ Association of Psychotherapists 04 475 6244
NZ Christian Counsellors Association 09 376 0102
College of Clinical Psychologists 04 472 4088
NZ Psychological Society 04 473 4889
Other
Relationship Services 0800 735 283
Skylight 0800 299 100 - change, loss and grief
Family Court Counselling Coordinator 09 916 9000
In some cases you can request counselling through the Family Court Counselling Coordinator at your nearest Family Court. Good online brochures.
Employee Assistance Programme
Your workplace may be able to arrange counselling through this group.
