Free or funded counselling in Auckland City

The cost of counselling prohibits many people from seeking help.  I hope one day all counselling will be partially funded by the government...
In the meantime, if  you are looking for free or low cost face-to- face counselling
I would suggest your first step is talking to your doctor.  Your GP may be part of a PHO ( Primary Health Organisation) which funds up to 4 free counselling sessions.

For free or funded 'in-person' counselling:
(The following information is taken from the Mental Health Foundation website)

• To find low cost or free counselling in your area, search the Family Services Directory, or contact your local CAB.
• Most GPs are part of Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) that run Government funded mental health programmes − often you can access free counselling sessions through these.
• If you are in paid employment you may be able to access free confidential counselling through your company’s employee assistance programme – talk to your employer.
• You may be eligible for 10 free counselling sessions (or more if clinically indicated) and other assistance through a WINZ Disability Allowance.  (You don't need to be on a benefit to qualify for a disability allowance.)     www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/health-and-disability/counselling.html
• Free Youthline counselling for youth aged 12–25 years and their families. Available in various locations across Auckland and also Dunedin. Counselling for adults is available on a sliding scale.
• ACC funds support following sexual violence. It offers fully funded and immediate support and treatment – including support for your family and whānau. It doesn’t matter if it happened recently or a long time ago, there’s support available when you’re ready. Visit the FindSupport website to find an ACC registered therapist.
• Local women's or men's centres often have counsellors on site or can provide recommendations, some of whom are low cost/charges are on a sliding-scale.
• Local DHB Community Mental Health Services provide community based support, psychological therapy, counselling and psychiatrist services. Services are for those who meet mental illness criteria and you will usually need to be referred by your GP. Contact details are in the front of the phone book under 'Hospitals and Other Health Service Providers'.
  
  Other local providers of free or low cost counselling:
• Citizens Advice Bureau - Pakuranga
  General Counselling: 1pm- 4pm every Thu; New Migrant Counselling Clinic: every Thursday 10am - 1pm; Youth Counselling 3.30 - 4.30pm every Fri.
  www.cab.org.nz 
• Citizens Advice Bureau  - Onehunga
  Counselling Clinic. A trained counsellor is available for free, confidential counselling - by appointment only. Sessions are for one hour.
  www.cab.org.nz
• Citizens Advice Bureau -  Eden Albert at St Lukes
  Counselling Tuesday & Friday by appointment. 
  www.cab.org.nz
• Citizens Advice Bureau -  Mt Roskill
  This is a free, appointment only, clinic with a trained counsellor. 
  www.cab.org.nz
• Citizens Advice Bureau -  Grey Lynn/Ponsonby
  This is a free, appointment only, clinic with a trained counsellor.
  www.cab.org.nz
• Glen Innes Family Centre
  Free counselling service - family, adult, youth, children, domestic violence and relationships (by appointment only).
  www.gifc.co.nz/
  
  
• Mothers Helpers - help for post natal depression
  Mothers Helpers provides group therapy at $60/session at our PND Recovery Course.  If you are eligible for a WINZ subsidy, these sessions will be available to you free of charge.  Alternatively, you can attend online group therapy for the PND Recovery Course at $20/session.  
  https://www.mothershelpers.co.nz/
  ​
• Helplines Directory  (phone counselling)
  ​There are a number of free helplines that offer counselling and support over the phone. For an up to date list, click here:
  ​ https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/get-help/in-crisis/helplines/