If you need urgent help:
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s immediate safety call 111.
Or call your local mental health crisis team → phone numbers can be found on the ‘Crisis Help’ page.
Where to start?
First, make an appointment with your doctor/ GP - If you are struggling with your mental health a good first step is to speak with your GP. GPs are trained in mental health conditions and will be able to assess you and provide advice. They may then refer you onto other mental health services.
How to find a therapist?
People attend therapy for many reasons; they may have a mental health condition, be having relationship issues, want to find better ways to cope with stress, or want to improve their general mental health. Different types of therapists will have different training, experience, and expertise. It is important that you find a therapist who is a good fit for you, and who has the right training and experience to help you address the challenges you are facing and want assistance with. Some types of therapists in NZ include counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists.
Here are some ways to find a therapist in New Zealand -
- Speak to your GP -
- Your GP may be able to refer you onto mental health services or recommend therapists in your region.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) -
- If you have access to an EAP through your employer/ work then you may be able to access free counselling.
- ACC -
- You are able to access ACC funded therapy following sexual abuse or assault. To find therapists who provide ACC funded support click on this link - https://www.findsupport.co.nz/
- Schools and tertiary institutes -
- Many schools have a school counsellor.
- Tertiary institutes, such as universities, often have counselling services as part of their student health services.
- Healthline - 0800 611 116 -
- Calls to Healthline are answered by a trained registered nurse who can help you find local mental health services.
New Zealand directories and databases -
- Find a Therapist -
- https://findatherapist.nz/search
- The ‘Therapist Search’ page contains a list of therapists around New Zealand.
- Family and community services national directory -
- https://www.familyservices.govt.nz/directory/
- This directory provides information on different community services, including mental health services throughout NZ.
- Healthpoint -
- https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/
- Healthpoint provides information on different healthcare providers and services around the country.
- Māori health provider directory -
- https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/services-and-support/health-care-services/maori-health-provider-directory
- This Ministry of Health directory can help you find Māori health providers in your region.
To find specific types of therapists in New Zealand -
- To find clinical psychologists…
- To find psychologists …
- To find psychotherapists…
- To find counsellors ….
- To find psychiatrists…