Nationwide Counselling Service Contacts
A range of advisory and counselling services are available in New Zealand. Many of these can be accessed by phone, text, or email. Don’t feel alone if you’re struggling – reach out for help.
| Organisation | Phone Number | Email / Website | Service Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1737 | Free call or text 1737 to speak with a trained professional counsellor at any time 24/7. | Free counselling service: depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, feeling down or overwhelmed. Highly recommended as first point of contact for callers seeking help. |
|
| AIcohol Drug Helpline | 0800 787797 or text 8681 (24/7) | Online chat at www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz | If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s drinking or drug taking, the Alcohol and Drug Helpline can assist with information, insight and support. |
| Anxiety New Zealand | Helpline 0800 2694389 | Online therapy and COVID-19 help resources available. | |
| Depression Helpline | 0800 111757 or free text 4202 to talk to a trained counsellor | www.depression.org.nz/contact-us | For support or to ask any questions. |
| EAP Services | Freephone: 0800 327669 | www.eapservices.co.nz | Employee Assistance Programme – providing practical assistance to employees when personal or work issues arise that may impact on their ability to do their job or affect their wellbeing (confidential counselling services across NZ and internationally). |
| Gambling Helpline | 24-hour Freephone: 0800 654655 | www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz | |
| Kidsline | 0800 543754 (0800 KIDSLINE) | www.kidsline.org.nz | For young people up to 18 years of age 24/7. |
| Lifeline | 0800 543354 (0800 LIFELINE) Text ‘Help’ to 4357 | www.lifeline.org.nz | Lifeline trained counsellors deal with many kinds of issues including psychological and emotional distress, financial and work issues, marriage and family/ whānau problems and with callers who are lonely, ill, depressed or the victims of violence or abuse. |
| Rural Support Trust | Helpline 800 787 254 | Chat to someone who understands, because they’ve been there. | |
| Salvation Army | 0800 530000 | www.salvationarmy.org.nz | Supporting families and individuals in need with budgeting advice, food and clothing assistance, life skills programmes and other comfort and support. |
| Samaritans | 0800 726 66 | www.samaritans.org.nz | Confidential, non-religious and non-judgemental support to anyone who may be feeling depressed, lonely, or may be contemplating suicide. |
| SPARX | 0508 477279 or free text to 3110 | www.sparx.org.nz | An interactive self-help online tool for young people with mild to moderate depression and anxiety. |
| Suicide Crisis Helpline | 0508 828865 (0508 TAUTOKO) | ||
| Supporting Families in Mental Illness | Northern Region, 0800 732825; Central North Island, 0800 555434; South Island, 0800 876682 | Information and support for families/whānau. | |
| The Lowdown | Free text 5626 | www.thelowdown.co.nz | Support and information for young people experiencing depression or anxiety. |
| Victim Support | 0800 842 846. | [email protected] www.victimsupport.org.nz | Free 24/7 support. |
| What’s Up | 0800 9428787 (0800 WHATSUP) | Online chat is available from 5.00pm – 10.00pm daily at: www.whatsup.co.nz | For 5 - 18 year olds. Available 12.00pm – 11.00pm M-F or 3.00pm – 11.00pm weekends. |
| Youthline | Call 0800 376633; Free text 234 | [email protected] online chat at www.youthline.org.nz | Mental Health and Addictions Service. Youthline works with young people, their families and those supporting young people. |