The National Counselling Service (NCS) provides free counselling for people age 18 or older who have a medical card.
This service is called Counselling in Primary Care (CIPC). Depending on your needs, up to 8 free counselling sessions may be available.
If you do not have a medical card, we also provide other counselling services.
Getting a referral for counselling
You need a referral from a GP or another health professional for counselling through the NCS.
Talk to your GP about the difficulties you are experiencing and how counselling may help. They will discuss your options with you.
If your GP refers you for counselling, they will give you:
- information and contact details for your nearest CIPC office
- a phone number to call to confirm you want to attend counselling
If counselling is not the right option for you, they may suggest other supports.
Organisations that provide mental health services
Confirming you want counselling
After your GP makes a referral, you must phone your local CIPC office within 2 weeks to confirm you want counselling.
Our offices are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
If you cannot get through, leave a voice message.