How counselling can support you
Counselling gives you space to talk about what you’re going through with a qualified professional.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, navigating a difficult life event or looking for support with your mental health and wellbeing, counselling can help you understand what you’re experiencing, explore coping strategies and consider what might help next.
Our counsellors are qualified, accredited professionals with additional training in suicide prevention. They use a trauma-informed approach and will work with you at your pace.
You can refer yourself directly. You don’t need a GP referral.
Submit a counselling referral
What can counselling help with?
Our counsellors support people experiencing a wide range of challenges, including:
- anxiety and stress
- depression and low mood
- grief and loss
- relationship and family challenges
- major life changes
- self-esteem and confidence
- sleep difficulties
- suicide bereavement
- general mental health and wellbeing concerns.
How to access counselling
Our counselling service is available to people aged 15 and over across the Northern Beaches, Mosman to Kirribilli.
You can refer yourself directly, or a GP, health professional or allied health organisation can refer you. We also accept Mental Health Care Plans.
Counselling locations
Face-to-face counselling is available in:
- Balgowlah
- Mosman
- Avalon for young people aged 15–24
Telehealth counselling is also available via Zoom if attending in person isn’t suitable.
Counselling costs
We offer low-cost counselling to help make professional support more accessible. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan, sessions may be bulk billed with no out-of-pocket cost.
Domestic and family violence counselling
We provide specialised counselling for people who have experienced domestic and family violence.
Counselling is provided in a safe, respectful environment and can support you to explore the impacts of your experiences at your own pace.
Eligible clients can also access counselling through the NSW Victims Support Scheme with approved counsellors authorised to provide support under the scheme.
Face-to-face counselling FAQs
Can counselling help with depression?
Yes. Our counsellors support people experiencing depression and low mood. Counselling gives you space to talk about what you’re going through, explore your concerns and identify strategies and next steps that may help.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can refer yourself directly. You can also be referred by a GP, health professional or allied health organisation.
What happens in a counselling session?
Your counsellor will listen without judgement and give you space to talk about what’s happening.
Together, you can explore your concerns, coping strategies and practical next steps. If useful, your counsellor may also help you explore other services or support.
How much does counselling cost?
Our counselling services are low cost to help make support accessible. If you are referred by your GP with a Mental Health Care Plan, sessions are bulk billed with no out-of-pocket cost.
Are counselling sessions confidential?
Yes. Our counsellors are required to maintain confidentiality in line with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia’s code of conduct.
Other ways we can support you
Explore local Lifeline services
Explore other local Lifeline services available across the Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore.
Crisis support
Need to talk? Lifeline offers 24/7 crisis support for you or someone you care about.
Financial counselling
Free, confidential financial counselling for people experiencing financial stress across the Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore.
Support groups
Local Lifeline support groups offering safe, compassionate, peer-connected spaces for people managing difficult experiences and emotions.
Lifeline Connect
Free face-to-face support to talk, be heard and connect to the right help.