Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process?

You can find our availability for appointments on our contacts page. We are not able to wait-list clients, but we will regularly update our availability on our website. If we are accepting new referrals, you can contact via the contact form. The information on this form allows us to ensure that we are the right service for you and ensure you are seen by the Psychologist who will best meet your needs. We will reply promptly to any enquiries via email and offer you an initial appointment, if appropriate.

What can I expect in the initial appointment?

The initial appointment (up to 90 mins) provides an opportunity to meet one another and for you to feel comfortable and confident that we are the right fit for you. During this appointment we will begin to develop a shared understanding of your difficulties and factors that are contributing to and maintaining your problems. We will explore your goals for therapy and together discuss a treatment plan.

Therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes long and the duration and frequency of sessions will be discussed in collaboration with you as part of the treatment plan. The treatment plan and progress towards your goals will be regularly reviewed. Initially, session frequency is typically weekly or fortnightly.

What is online therapy?

Online therapy at The Psychology Space provides the same quality, level of support and confidentiality of therapy as in-person sessions with qualified psychologists. One of the benefits of online therapy is that it provides access to a Psychologist that you might not otherwise be
able to access.

Online therapy, also known as tele-health, e-therapy or virtual therapy, can be accessed anywhere that has a strong, stable and secure internet connection (free/public WiFi is not recommended). You will also be responsible for ensuring that during appointments you are in a quiet, safe and comfortable space to talk without interruption.

Do you offer in person appointments?

The Psychology Space provides online therapy to support with accessibility to psychological services throughout New Zealand. All appointments will be online and other forms of contact will be via email or phone. We are unable to offer in person appointments. 

Will my information be confidential?

All personal information gathered by the Psychologist and The Psychology Space during the provision of services will remain confidential and secure, in accordance with the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2003) and the New Zealand Psychologists Board’s Code of Ethics.

“Personal information will only be disclosed to a third party if failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious and imminent risk of harm/injury; or if mandated by law. Prior approval will be sought when sharing information with and/or gathering  information from another person (e.g., GP, parent, partner, mental health professionals or employer).”

For online therapy, please be mindful of your privacy needs and ensure the conversations are not being (un)intentionally monitored or intercepted by a third person. Please be aware that while efforts have been made to find an online platform that is secure and offers encrypted point-to-point connections, we are unable to guaranty the security of the internet connection.

If you travel abroad and wish to continue treatment, please advise us ahead of your travel, and be aware that the laws that will govern the service will be that of Aotearoa New Zealand.

In order to provide you with the most effective services the Psychologist might ask for your permission to video or audio record the session. Video or audio recording of consultations/appointments is not permitted unless agreed to by all parties.

What are my rights?

The Psychology Space adheres to the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights which outlines your rights as a health consumer. If you feel that you have not been treated fairly or appropriately by one of our Psychologists, if appropriate to do so please contact one of Clinical Directors at The Psychology Space in the first instance at info@psychologyspace.co.nz. If you would like to make a formal complaint you can do so by following the steps set out by the
Health and Disability Commission here.

Other supports

The Psychology Space is not an acute service so are unable to respond to acute needs outside of scheduled online appointments. If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of someone you care for, call the emergency services on 111 for an immediate response. Alternatively contact your GP and/or your local mental health crisis team as needed.

Other supports that can be accessed:

Healthline: 0800 611 116
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Women’s Refuge Crisis Line: 0800 733 843
Youthline: Text 234 or Ph 0800 376 633