Psychological therapy
Psychologists may support anxiety, mood, stress, trauma, relationships and other difficulties. Ask what approaches they offer, whether they fit your goals, and how progress is reviewed.
Learn about practitioner scopes ↗
Explore psychological therapy, assessments and wellbeing support across Aotearoa New Zealand, with guidance on choosing a registered psychologist, understanding access options and finding care that fits.
It is okay to ask questions before choosing a psychologist. You can talk about your goals, comfort, cultural needs, fees and communication preferences. This page shares general information and navigation guidance; it does not provide diagnoses or personal treatment advice.
For an immediate emergency in New Zealand, call 111, go to the nearest emergency department, or contact your local mental health crisis assessment team. For free emotional support, call or text 1737 any time. Routine psychologist appointments are not emergency crisis services.
Explore Aspie Answers crisis-support pathways → Official NZ mental health support →
Search the six guidance pathways on this page by topic, support type or audience.
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Psychologists may support anxiety, mood, stress, trauma, relationships and other difficulties. Ask what approaches they offer, whether they fit your goals, and how progress is reviewed.
Learn about practitioner scopes ↗Assessment methods depend on the question being asked. For autism, ADHD, learning differences or complex health needs, ask about the practitioner’s specific training, scope, report and any multidisciplinary referrals.
Check practitioner registration ↗Ask about age-appropriate approaches, consent, caregiver involvement, school liaison and accessible explanations. Young people may have different privacy and consent needs.
Explore NZ support options ↗You can ask about kaupapa Māori, Pacific-led, Asian, migrant, former refugee, LGBTQIA+ or neurodivergent-affirming approaches, interpreters and your preferred support people.
Explore cultural pathways ↗Check the psychologist’s current registration and practising certificate, fees, cancellation terms, funding eligibility, public/private pathways and any referral or waiting-list requirements.
Open NZ Board register ↗Ask whether sessions are in person, by video or phone; whether the provider can work with people in your region; and what happens if technology fails or you need accessible formats.
Find NZ wellbeing pathways ↗No matching pathways. Try another word or use Reset.
Registered psychologists use psychological knowledge and methods for therapy, assessment and other services. Different psychologists work in different scopes and areas of competence. A psychologist is not the same as a psychiatrist (a medical doctor), and not every psychologist provides neurodevelopmental assessments.
When seeking support for a child or young person, ask how assessment or therapy is adapted for age, development, communication and learning needs. Discuss what information is shared with caregivers, the young person’s involvement, consent and possible coordination with school or other professionals.
Autism, ADHD and learning-difference assessments may require specialist experience or a multidisciplinary service. Check this before booking.
Search the Psychologists Board register for current registration and a practising certificate. Ask whether the professional has relevant experience for your needs.
Ask about self-referral or GP referral, public/private options, funding, waiting times, fees, cancellation rules and whether a written report is included.
You may ask about sensory accommodations, interpreters, preferred pronouns, cultural safety, support people, plain-language explanations or telehealth options.
Before your first appointment, consider jotting down your goals, questions, current concerns and any accessibility needs. You may ask how privacy, record storage, consent and communication between providers are handled.
Online appointments may suit rural locations, transport barriers or personal preferences. Ask about privacy, accessible technology, video versus phone options, licensing and geographic coverage, and what happens if a call disconnects.
For Māori, Pacific, Asian, migrant, former refugee, rainbow and disability communities, ask providers about specialist experience and culturally appropriate options.
Referral routes vary by provider, service and funding arrangement. Ask the practitioner or your GP whether you can self-refer and what public or funded options may apply.
Some appropriately trained psychologists contribute to these assessments, but not all provide them. Confirm relevant qualifications, scope, report format and whether other clinicians are involved.
Use the New Zealand Psychologists Board public register to check registration, current practising certificate and scope of practice.
You can ask about alternative approaches, another practitioner or a referral. You can also discuss consent, confidentiality and concerns about care.
Information is general and may change. Confirm current fees, eligibility, referral routes, practising status and availability with the appropriate provider.