Guides · Practical · New Zealand
Guides to seeing a psychologist in New Zealand
Practical, sourced answers to the questions people ask before they book: whether you need a referral, who does what, what it costs and how to fund it, and what the research says about therapy by video, written for New Zealand.
Book a session Ask a questionAdults 18+ in New Zealand · Private-pay, not an ACC service · Online only · Not a crisis service
- Pick a time on our secure booking page (Carepatron), and a psychologist if you have a preference.
- Pay by card when you book: $228.85, plus a small card processing fee.
- Get your video link and a short intake form by email. How it works →
By booking, you agree to our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cancellation Policy.
Getting started
- Do you need a referral to see a psychologist in NZ? Not for private practice. When a GP referral matters: public services, insurers, ACC and EAP.
- Counsellor vs psychologist vs psychotherapist How each profession is trained and regulated, what they do, how costs differ, and where psychiatrists fit.
- Psychologist vs psychiatrist in NZ: which do you need? Who diagnoses, who prescribes, what each costs, and which to see first, including for ADHD.
- Clinical, counselling or registered psychologist: what the titles mean What each title means, why none of them ranks one psychologist above another, and how to check the register.
- How to see a psychologist in New Zealand The four routes, where to search, what to prepare and realistic waits.
- How to choose a psychologist Matching approach to problem, questions to ask, what to notice early on, and when to switch.
- What happens in your first session The questions you will be asked, confidentiality, what you do not have to share, and how to prepare.
Costs and funding
- Getting mental health help in NZ: from free to private Helplines, Just a Thought, HIPs at your GP, Gumboot Friday, EAP, ACC, insurance and private psychologists, plus the "6 free sessions" question.
- Claiming psychologist sessions on health insurance What Southern Cross, nib, AIA, Partners Life, Accuro and UniMed typically cover, referral rules and how to claim.
Mindwell's own fee is on the fees page: $199 + GST ($228.85 incl. GST) per 50-minute session, no referral needed.
Online therapy
- Is online therapy effective? What six meta-analyses found when they compared video therapy with in-person, what suits online and what does not.
- Privacy and confidentiality in online therapy The Health Information Privacy Code 2020, the limits of confidentiality, how video sessions are protected, and your rights to your records.
- Best online therapy in NZ? A comparison by type Free programmes, helplines, therapist platforms, psychologist practices and overseas apps, described honestly and without a ranking.
For how Mindwell's own online sessions work, see how it works and online therapy in NZ.
Ready to take the first step?
Booking takes just a few minutes. Choose a psychologist or take the first available appointment, and have your first session from the comfort of your own home.
Book a session Ask a questionAll sessions are online · Available across New Zealand · Confidential