About family therapists
Family therapists work with the whole family or several of its members to improve communication, resolve conflicts and go through changes such as separations, losses or a child’s difficulties. They look at relationships rather than at one person alone.
Getting mental health care in New Zealand
Public health system · Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
Free short-term mental health and wellbeing support for mild to moderate distress is offered in many general practices through the Access and Choice programme, delivered by Health Improvement Practitioners and health coaches. Depending on the region you can book directly or be referred by your GP or practice nurse, often on the same day. Availability depends on the practice; people with more severe needs are referred by their GP to specialist mental health services. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- New Zealand Psychologists Board (Te Poari Kaimātai Hinengaro o Aotearoa). Psychologist is a protected title: only people registered with the Board may use it, and they also need a current practising certificate. Check the register for their scope of practice (Psychologist or Clinical Psychologist) and practising certificate. Search the official register
- Medical Council of New Zealand. Doctors, including psychiatrists, must be registered with the Medical Council. The public register shows scope of practice and whether the doctor holds a current annual practising certificate. Search the official register
- Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand (PBANZ). Psychotherapists are regulated under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 and are listed on the Board's public register. Counsellor is not a protected title.
Urgent help in New Zealand
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 111 · Emergency (111)
- 1737 · 1737 Need to talk?
- 0800 543 354 · Lifeline Aotearoa
- 0508 828 865 · Suicide Crisis Helpline (0508 TAUTOKO)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: psychologistsboard.org.nz, mcnz.org.nz, tewhatuora.govt.nz, mentalhealth.org.nz
What does a family therapist do?
A family therapist works with families as a system, seeing several members together or in different combinations. Day to day they help families improve communication, manage conflict, adapt to changes such as separation, illness, migration or the arrival of a child, and support a member who is struggling. They look at roles, rules and patterns in the relationships rather than blaming one person.
When to see a family therapist
Family therapy makes sense when tension at home is constant, when a child or teenager’s difficulties affect everyone, after a separation or blended-family transition, during a loss or serious illness, or when communication has broken down between generations. If one person has a severe mental health condition, family therapy can complement, not replace, individual treatment. Couple-only problems may suit couples therapy better.
How is it different from other professionals?
A family therapist works with the whole family system, including children, parents and sometimes grandparents. A couples therapist focuses on the relationship between two partners. Individual therapists work with one person, though they may consider family influences. Many family therapists use systemic approaches, and some are also couples therapists, psychologists or social workers with additional systemic training.
What happens in the first session
In the first session the therapist usually meets everyone who is willing to come, listens to each person’s view of the problem and explains how they work. They make sure everyone can speak and feel safe. Think beforehand about who should attend, what each person hopes for, and ask about confidentiality, whether there will be individual sessions and how children take part.
How long does the process take?
Family therapy sessions are often a little longer than individual ones and may be weekly, fortnightly or spaced further apart, giving the family time to try changes at home. Some families find a relatively short process enough; others with complex situations need longer. Duration depends on the problem, how many people attend, their commitment and changes in circumstances.
Online or in person?
Online family therapy can work well when members live in different places, schedules are hard to coordinate, or to include relatives who cannot travel. It requires each person to have a quiet space and good connection. In-person sessions are often better with young children, when conflict is intense, or when the therapist needs to observe interactions closely.
How to check their qualifications
Family therapist is not a protected title in many countries, so check the base qualification, such as psychology, social work or medicine, and registration in that profession. Then ask about specific training in family or systemic therapy, its length, supervised practice, membership of recognised family therapy associations, and experience with situations like yours.
What affects the price?
Prices depend on session length, the number of people attending, whether co-therapists are involved, the professional’s training and experience, the city and modality. Family sessions are usually priced per session rather than per person. Ask whether there are packages or reduced rates, and whether public services or community organisations offer family therapy in your area.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in New Zealand cover psychological care?
Free short-term mental health and wellbeing support for mild to moderate distress is offered in many general practices through the Access and Choice programme, delivered by Health Improvement Practitioners and health coaches. Depending on the region you can book directly or be referred by your GP or practice nurse, often on the same day. Availability depends on the practice; people with more severe needs are referred by their GP to specialist mental health services.
How do I check that a family therapist is licensed in New Zealand?
New Zealand Psychologists Board (Te Poari Kaimātai Hinengaro o Aotearoa): Psychologist is a protected title: only people registered with the Board may use it, and they also need a current practising certificate. Check the register for their scope of practice (Psychologist or Clinical Psychologist) and practising certificate.