Affordable counselling for our community
Our Lifeline counselling service gives you a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to talk about what you’re going through.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, navigating a difficult life event, or looking for support with your mental health and wellbeing, counselling can help you:
- understand your emotions
- develop practical coping strategies
- build resilience
- feel more confident about your next steps.
Our counsellors are qualified, accredited professionals with additional training in suicide prevention. They use a trauma-informed approach, so they’ll work at your pace and respond to what you need.
You don’t need a GP referral to see us.
Submit a referral
What we can 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 can I access counselling?
Our counselling service supports people aged 15 and over across the Northern Beaches, Mosman to Kirribilli.
You can refer yourself. Or a GP, health professional or allied health organisation can also refer you, including with a Mental Health Care Plan.
Where counselling is available
You can access counselling:
- Balgowlah
- Mosman
- Avalon — for young people aged 15–24
- Telehealth via Zoom — if attending in person isn’t suitable
Counselling costs
We offer affordable 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.
Our counsellors understand the complex and lasting impacts of domestic and family violence and provide trauma-informed support in a safe, respectful and empowering environment.
Eligible clients can access counselling through the NSW Victims Support Scheme with approved, qualified and experienced counsellors authorised to deliver support under the scheme.
Face-to-face counselling FAQs
What can counsellors help with?
Our counsellors can help with a wide range of challenges. As a new client, you’ll be matched with a counsellor with the qualifications, knowledge and experience to support your specific situation. Our counsellors support people experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, grief, loss, relationship or family challenges, major life changes, sleep difficulties, and self-esteem issues. We also provide specialised support for survivors of domestic and family violence.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can refer yourself directly to our counselling service. You can also be referred by a GP, health professional or allied health organisation.
What happens in a counselling session?
Counselling gives you time and space to talk about what’s happening in your life.
Your counsellor will listen without judgement and work with you to explore your concerns, develop coping strategies and identify practical next steps. Depending on your needs, they may also help you explore other services or support.
Who can access face-to-face counselling?
Our counselling service is available to people in our community aged 15 years and over living in the Northern Beaches or Mosman to Kirribilli areas.
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.
Where do you offer counselling?
We offer face-to-face counselling in Balgowlah and Mosman, as well as youth counselling in Avalon for people aged between 15 and 24. Telehealth counselling via Zoom is also available.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes. If you prefer not to attend in person, you can access counselling via Zoom.
Are counselling sessions confidential?
Yes. Lifeline Northern Beaches, Mosman to Kirribilli counsellors are bound by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia’s code of conduct, just like other counsellors and psychologists and must keep sessions confidential.
How do I get started?
To get started, complete our counselling referral form.
Other ways we can support you
Explore your local Lifeline services
Lifeline Northern Beaches, Mosman to Kirribilli provides a range of services that support community wellbeing, build connection, reduce distress and help people access support when they need it.
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.