Get free counselling

Remember, when it comes to your emotional well being, you're allowed to be fussy.

• Research - if they have one, visit their website and see if their background sounds appealing to you.
• Think about whether you generally feel more comfortable speaking with someone from the same or a similar gender background to you.
• If you use or speak more than one language, you might find it useful to try a counsellor who can use the same languages as you.
• Think about whether you want someone who understands your spiritual or cultural background.
• Shop around. You and the counsellor/s you interact with are only human and naturally not everyone will have perfect chemistry. If you don't feel comfortable with the counsellor you first see, you don't have to keep going to them. Find someone that suits you and that you want on your team.

You want to pick someone you think you'll be comfortable talking about pretty much anything with and who will work with you in a style that works best for you.

Anyone in New Zealand who is 25 years of age or under.

You want to pick someone you think you'll be comfortable talking about pretty much anything with and who will work with you in a style that works best for you.

• Pick a counsellor from our database.
• Send them a message to introduce yourself, and book an appointment.
• We will take care of the bill.

We fund one counselling session a week per client from an initial TWO session allocation. The Gumboot Funds are not intended as long term funding solutions. Depending on circumstances, our counsellors can request additional sessions for clients in need.

The Gumboot Friday counselling funding service is designed to take the pressure off current services and give young people facing long wait times an alternative pathway. It is not a long-term solution designed to take over from government services, rather, it should be seen as a bridge between current services and immediate need. Everyone is encouraged to seek government funded help while utilising our service.

We encourage counsellors to work on their client's urgent need, until their client can get the district health board services they need.

We do reserve the right to audit any financial records relating to Gumboot Friday payments for counselling services, should we feel the need arise or if we see any unusual invoicing patterns. Clinical records will remain confidential between patient and practitioner.

Fantastic, you may still be eligible for funding. Ask your counsellor to contact us here.