Who is therapy for? 

Everyone. 

Life can be tough, and sometimes it helps to talk things through. 

Therapy might sound like a big word, but it is simply a one–to–one conversation with a trained professional. It can take place in person, by phone, or online. 

Fresh Minds is one of New Zealand's largest providers of short–term, focused talking therapy which is designed to help you feel better, sooner. 

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How do I get therapy? 

Choose the option that suits you. 

Option 1: GP/Funded Therapy – Talk to your GP about how you're feeling. They may be able to refer you to Fresh Minds. 

Option 2: Private/Self–pay Therapy – You can refer yourself directly. No GP needed. Cost: $220 per 50–minute session (incl. GST) 

How it works: 

  • Complete the self–referral form below (You can refer yourself, or a family member aged 12+) 

  • Our team will contact you within 1–3 business days 

  • We will match you with a therapist and book your appointment. 

We can often offer appointments within days, sometimes within 24 hours. 

Ready to talk? 

GPs please note, this form is not suitable for referrals for funded therapy – those must be made through your patient portal (ProFusion).

What should I expect? 

No matter how you access therapy, here's what you can expect. 

Before your session 

You'll receive: 

  • A welcome email

  • An invitation to our secure patient portal where you can complete forms and keep track of your appointments 

  • A reminder text 48 hours before your appointment

It can help to think about what you would like to talk about and what you would like support with. 

On the day 

Telehealth: Click the link sent to you 

In person: Arrive about 10 minutes early. 

Your therapist will welcome you and help you feel comfortable. 

Your first session 

  • Sessions are 50 minutes 

  • Your therapist will take time to understand what's been happening for you 

  • Together, you'll agree on goals and next steps. 

Ongoing sessions: 

You'll: 

  • Learn practical skills 

  • Set clear, achievable goals 

  • Develop strategies to support you moving forward. 

Support is focused, practical, and tailored to you. 

Need help? 

If you or someone you know needs urgent mental health support, you don't have to wait. 

  • Call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor (free, 24/7, NZ–wide) 

  • Contact your local Crisis Assessment Team through Health New Zealand 

  • If you feel unsafe or at immediate risk, call 111

Understanding wellbeing 

Feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed is incredibly common, and can affect people to different degrees. We've pulled together some information to help you understand more about common feelings, and some simple tips that can be helpful in managing them.

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Learn more

Frequently asked questions 

  • No. We'll match you based on your needs and preferences. However, you're welcome to request someone if you've worked with them before. 

  • There's no requirement to prepare anything before you meet with your therapist, however it can be a good idea to have a think about what you want to discuss and what goals you might have. If you're feeling nervous or anxious, writing down some thoughts can make it a bit easier to start the conversation. 

  • Yes, parking details will be included in your confirmation email once your appointment is confirmed. 

  • Yes. Making it easy for people to access support is important to us. Across our team, we have therapists who speak a range of different languages. When booking your appointment, please let us know your preferred language and we will do our best to match you accordingly. You are also welcome to bring someone with you to help translate. With advance notice, we may be able to arrange a professional interpreter. 

  • Yes, you are very welcome to bring support people/whānau/friends to your appointment, just let us know in advance so we can ensure we have a space available that is comfortable for everyone. 

  • It's really important that you feel like you can talk openly and honestly with your therapist, and generally you will get a sense of this during your first session. If after your first session, you think you'd prefer to see a different therapist please let us know by either letting reception know on your way out, calling 0800 356 111 or emailing enquiries@freshminds.co.nz  

  • No. If you or someone you know are in crisis or immediate danger, please contact 111 or one of the afterhours or crisis organisations on our After Hours and Crisis page.

  • Everyone's journey is different. Some people need only a few sessions. Others need a little longer. Your therapist will work with you to create a plan that fits. 

  • Yes. Looking after your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Your GP may feel this is the right support at this time. 

  • If you are not sure why you were referred to Fresh Minds by your doctor, then it is a good idea to discuss this with them first. This will help you understand why they thought our service could be of use to you.