We have free counselling and psychological services for people with cancer and their family/whānau.
We can help you discuss the impact of a cancer diagnosis on your relationships and exploring effective ways of support through this time.
We offer one-on-one and group sessions for anyone affected by cancer, including family/whānau members.
If you've just received a cancer diagnosis, are currently having treatment or your treatment has finished, we're here to help.
To see what psychology and counselling services are available in your local area, please set your location.
Psychological service in Auckland
We offer a range of free services for people with cancer and their whānau:
- One-on-one psychological support
- Free Webinars – Online Talks
- Moving Forward after Cancer: our six-week programme
For patients and supporters living in South Auckland, we have a clinic in Papatoetoe.
We accept self-referrals. You can call 0800 226 237 to self-refer or complete the online referral form, linked below.
Individual sessions
Many find it useful to talk through the emotions surrounding their cancer diagnosis.
Free Individual sessions are available for anyone impacted by cancer. This includes psychological support for those with cancer as well as their whānau and friends.
Individual sessions involve one on one confidential support with a registered psychologist or counsellor. Some find that attending just one session is useful whilst others appreciate more.
As our services provides brief intervention, we are able to offer between 4-6 sessions.
Each session lasts for one hour and are confidential.
Some of the team: Lauren, Kristin, Ka'ula, Stanley and Anoosh
Moving forward after cancer
This group allows you to explore shared experiences with others in a similar situation and clarify your future direction. With support from one of our experienced psychologists or counsellors, you will learn strategies to help you move forward after cancer.
This six week programme is designed for people who have finished treatment for a primary cancer, are in remission and have a good prognosis.
The Moving Forward group runs several times a year, and we encourage a meeting with one of the psychologists or counsellors on the team before joining the group.
Counselling available across Canterbury-West Coast
Counselling is often available for those with cancer and their families/whānau through a referral from your doctor (GP).
However, the Cancer Society may access limited, additional counselling for any adult affected by cancer.
Counselling available in Otago and Southland
The Cancer Society may be able to provide free access to counselling services for you and your family/whānau.
All applications for counselling grants are assessed on an individual basis and are supplementary to services provided by government agencies.
Some people find one session very useful, and others appreciate ongoing support.
You are welcome to choose your own counsellor, or we can recommend an accredited counsellor in your area.
If you are not eligible for a Cancer Society counselling grant, we will be able to suggest alternative options for you.
Counselling is available in Newtown, Paraparaumu, Porirua and Lower Hutt
To book a counselling session please call 0800 CANCER (226 237) or email info@cancersoc.org.nz.
Our team can refer people affected by cancer and their carers to counselling services. Contact the Cancer Society office closest to you for more information.
Counselling available in Nelson/Tasman
We refer to a range of experienced local counsellors across the Nelson, Motueka and Golden Bay region.
We fund up to four counselling sessions per person, and counselling is available to both people with cancer, their partners, family/whānau or support people.
Your doctor or oncology nurse can request this counselling for you by completing the form on our Nelson/Tasman office page. You can also self-refer by contacting us.
Counselling available in Taranaki
Services are offered to patients and families/whānau of those diagnosed with cancer. We can help adults and children from six years of age.
We have services available in:
- New Plymouth
- Stratford
- Opunake
- Hawera
For more information, please contact us.
Your supportive care nurse will carry out an assessment and refer you and your whānau to counselling services if appropriate.
If you are not eligible for a Cancer Society counselling grant, we will be able to suggest alternatives for you.
Contact your local Cancer Society office to see what is available for you.
Counselling available in Marlborough
You may want to read these Cancer Society booklets:
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Cancer can impact not only your health but your lifestyle and relationships.
It's common for people to feel excited and anxious when treatment finishes.
We know that going through cancer is tough and can raise many questions. You are not alone.
We have health professionals to answer your questions and provide the support you need.
Get in touch