Family Works Northern is a professional, not-for-profit organisation that's here to support families in every way we can. We're part of Presbyterian Support Northern, a charitable social services provider that's been around for more than 130 years. We're passionate about strengthening New Zealand families as they face life's challenges.We deliver social services to support children and families to learn, grow and thrive. We offer counselling and social work support for children and families, along with a range of group programmes. We also partner with others to prevent family violence and strengthen communities.
You May Also Consider (Sponsored)
Quick Start Online Therapy: Tell Us a Little About Yourself and Get Matched With a Therapist Right for You
Take a simple guided quiz and let us know your preferences. Get matched to an online therapist right for you. Convenient and affordable online therapy from your phone, tablet or computer.
Have you been in therapy before?
Services Offered
Counselling for children and young people - Are you concerned about things your child may have seen or experienced? When home no longer feels safe and families break apart, it can be shattering and painful for everyone. Children and young people may have experienced abuse themselves or watched people who are close to them being hurt.
Parenting Through Separation - Separating from your partner is stressful enough but when children are involved it can get even more complicated. We understand the difficulties and want to help you to focus on your children and what is best for them. We offer Parenting through Separation group sessions with trained programme leaders - usually in two sessions of two hours each. You will be able to discuss your parenting issues and gain helpful information in a small group of up to 20 people. Anyone involved in parenting arrangements for children can attend, including grandparents and other family/ whanau members.
Women Against Violence Education (WAVE) - Every woman has the right to live without violence in her life. If you're in an abusive relationship we know how difficult it can be to break free. Our WAVE programme (Women Against Violence Education) can help you build your inner strength and decide on the steps you need to take to keep your family safe.
Fees and Payment
We provide free counselling for children/young people and their families who are affected by abuse of any kind. This is also a registered charity.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
If You Call, Please Let Us Know How it Went:
Were You Able to Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.