How counselling can support you
Counselling gives you a safe, confidential 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.
All our counsellors are qualified and accredited professionals who have completed additional training in suicide prevention. They provide trauma-informed counselling that is respectful and responsive to your needs.
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 and transitions
- 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 and 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.
Face-to-face counselling locations
We offer face-to-face counselling in:
- Balgowlah
- Mosman
- Avalon for young people aged 15–24
Telehealth counselling via Zoom is also available.
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
What can counsellors help with?
Our counsellors support people experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, grief and loss, relationship or family challenges, major life changes and transitions, sleep difficulties, self-esteem concerns and other mental health challenges. We also provide specialised counselling for survivors of domestic and family violence.
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 15 to 24. Telehealth counselling via Zoom is also available.
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.
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.
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.
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
Find local support groups for grief, suicide bereavement, support after a suicide attempt, anxiety, depression and stress.
Lifeline Connect
Free face-to-face support to talk, be heard and connect to the right help.