About family therapy
Family therapy works with several members together to improve communication, resolve conflicts and support everyone through changes such as separations, illness or adolescence.
Forensic psychologists apply psychology to legal matters: expert reports for courts, custody and family proceedings, assessment of damages or credibility, and support for victims. Ask about their experience as an expert witness in your country.
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
Signs to look out for
Every family goes through tension. Family therapy may help when conflict is constant or very intense, communication has broken down, a child’s difficulties are straining everyone, members feel stuck in the same patterns, or the family is struggling to adapt to a change such as a separation, a new partner, illness, migration, a loss or a child leaving home.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Systemic family therapy looks at relationships and patterns rather than blaming one person. Approaches with evidence include structural and strategic family therapy, family-based treatment for adolescent eating disorders, multisystemic and functional family therapy for behaviour problems, and parent training. Family therapists, psychologists and social workers with systemic training usually lead the work, sometimes alongside individual therapy.
When to seek urgent help
If there is violence at home, a child or adult is being harmed, or someone is afraid for their safety, contact your local emergency services or specialised protection services. Safety comes before family therapy. Seek urgent help too if any family member talks about suicide, has harmed themselves seriously, or is at risk of harming others.
What you can do in the meantime
Set aside calm times to talk, and try to listen to understand rather than to reply. Agree on a few household rules together and keep them consistent. Avoid involving children in adult conflicts. Make room for enjoyable shared moments, even short ones. If tensions run high, take breaks before continuing a discussion. Each person looking after their own well-being also helps the family.
What does a forensic psychologist do?
A forensic psychologist applies psychology to legal questions. Day to day they carry out expert assessments and write reports for courts, lawyers or individuals: for example on child custody, the psychological impact of an event, capacity, credibility issues or risk. Some also work in prisons, victim support or rehabilitation programmes. They may be asked to explain their findings at trial.
When to see a forensic psychologist
You may need a forensic psychologist when a legal process requires an independent psychological assessment: custody or visitation disputes, claims for psychological harm after an accident or assault, workplace harassment cases, or questions about a person’s capacity. If what you need is emotional support during a legal process, a therapist is more suitable, since forensic assessment is evaluative, not therapeutic.
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 forensic psychologist 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.