Private therapy in New Zealand typically costs $100–$280+ per session depending on practitioner type. Here's a breakdown of costs and how to access more affordable support.
Cost is one of the most practical considerations when looking for a therapist — and one of the most common reasons people put it off. Here's an honest breakdown of what therapy costs in New Zealand in 2025, what factors affect the price, and how to access more affordable support if cost is a barrier.
Private therapy session fees by practitioner type
Costs vary significantly depending on the type of practitioner, their location, experience, and the specialties they work with.
- –Counsellors (NZAC): typically $100–$160 per session (50–60 minutes)
- –Psychotherapists (PBANZ): typically $130–$200 per session
- –Psychologists (NZ Psychology Board): typically $180–$280+ per session
- –Online sessions: often slightly less expensive than in-person, and access to a wider range of practitioners
These are indicative ranges based on practitioners listed on feelsgood and common market rates. Some practitioners — particularly in high-demand specialties like trauma or eating disorders, or those with extensive experience — may charge above these ranges.
Sliding scale and reduced-fee options
Many therapists in New Zealand offer sliding scale fees — reduced rates for people experiencing financial hardship. This isn't always advertised on their profile or website, but it's worth asking directly. A good way to phrase it: "I'm interested in working with you — do you have any capacity for reduced-fee work, as cost is a constraint for me?" Many therapists appreciate the directness and will tell you honestly what's possible.
Some therapists reserve one or two low-fee places in their caseload specifically for this purpose. It doesn't hurt to ask.
ACC-funded therapy
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) funds mental health treatment for people who have experienced certain types of trauma. Two main pathways are relevant:
ACC-sensitive claims cover mental health treatment for survivors of sexual abuse or assault. These are handled with particular sensitivity and privacy. If you may be eligible, you can speak to your GP or contact an ACC-registered therapist directly — they can help you assess eligibility and initiate a claim.
ACC mental injury claims cover psychological injury arising from a physical accident (e.g., anxiety and PTSD following a workplace accident or car crash). A GP referral is usually the starting point.
ACC-funded sessions are free to you once the claim is approved, with the cost covered by ACC. Waiting times and approval timelines can vary, but it can significantly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs.
Community and low-cost options
Several organisations provide low-cost or subsidised counselling in New Zealand:
- –Youthline: counselling and support for young people, much of it free
- –Lifeline and 1737 (Need to Talk): free phone and text-based support, 24/7
- –Community Mental Health (CMH) teams: publicly funded support for moderate to severe presentations, via GP referral
- –EAP (Employee Assistance Programmes): many employers fund a set number of free counselling sessions for employees — worth checking with HR
- –Student counselling services: universities and polytechs typically offer free or subsidised counselling for enrolled students
- –Pacific and Māori health providers: may offer culturally appropriate, subsidised support in your region
Is therapy worth the cost?
This is a genuinely personal question, and one worth sitting with honestly. What's also true is that the cost of not addressing mental health — in lost productivity, relationship strain, physical health effects, and quality of life — is often far higher than the cost of treatment. Many people find that even a relatively short course of therapy (8–16 sessions) produces lasting change.
If cost is a barrier, it's worth being upfront with a therapist about it. Many will work with you on frequency (every two weeks rather than weekly), session length, or fee. The right fit doesn't have to be unaffordable.
→All therapists on feelsgood list their session fees upfront. Browse the directory or take our quiz to find practitioners in your area and price range.