In many cases, you can refer yourself directly for counselling — without needing a GP referral.
What Is Self‑Referral?
Self‑referral means contacting a counselling service yourself to request an appointment, rather than being referred by a doctor or another health professional.
Many people choose to self‑refer when they’re looking for:
Support with stress or anxiety
Help navigating life changes
A space to talk through personal challenges
Practical coping strategies for daily life
Support with relationships or work pressures
Self‑referral allows you to access support sooner, without going through another service first.
When Might a GP Referral Be Needed?
Some services — particularly those linked to specific funding pathways — may require a GP referral.
However, many counselling services offer privately funded or low‑cost options that allow you to self‑refer directly.
If you’re unsure what kind of support you need, contacting a counselling service can be a helpful first step in understanding your options.
How to Self‑Refer
You can usually self‑refer by:
Completing an online referral form
Contacting the service directly
Booking an appointment through an online system
Once your referral is received, a member of the team may contact you to discuss your support needs and answer any questions you have.
What might happen after I refer?
After we receive your self-referral at Anxiety New Zealand, our team will contact you to further explore your support needs. On this call, our team learns more about your current experiences, support systems, safety, and support needs. This helps us understand whether our current services are suited to your support needs. If our service is a good fit, our team will then arrange an appointment with you. If our team identifies that our services are not currently suited to your support needs, they will provide information on alternative support options.
Counselling Options Available
We offer accessible counselling sessions with mental health clinicians completing their professional training, supported by regular clinical and peer supervision to ensure safe, quality support.
Appointments are available:
Online (nationwide)
In‑person at our Auckland clinic
Monday–Saturday, including late nights
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Learn about our counselling service now.
New to counselling? You might also find helpful:
At Anxiety NZ, we’re committed to making quality mental health support accessible to people and whānau across Aotearoa New Zealand. Our counselling service is part of that commitment — offering a safe, supportive space to talk, reflect, and work toward your wellbeing goals — at an affordable cost to you (or fully funded for eligible low-income earners or those under 18).
Our counsellors are passionate, skilled, and in the final stages of their professional training. Supported by approved clinical and peer supervision, they bring warmth, insight, and fresh perspectives to their work with clients.
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, life transitions, grief, stress, or simply want someone to talk to, our counselling team is here to support you.
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