counselling for people affected by suicide

CASA maintains a network of health professionals who have experience providing support to family/whanau and significant others who are bereaved by suicide or affected by a suicide attempt.


The loss of someone close to you from any cause can bring about intense grief and mourning. The emotions experienced by the bereaved following a suicide, while normal and expected, can be particularly painful. Family/whanau and friends may provide all the support you need. However, after the death of a loved one by suicide you may find the need for additional support that is different from what your family can offer. Counselling can provide support for both you and your relatives and friends who are experiencing their own grief.

When a family/whanau member or friend attempts suicide it can be a confusing and frightening time for everyone involved. Families often struggle to understand what happened. There may be feelings of anxiety and the fear of a repeat attempt. In addition to your concerns for your loved one, it is vital that you recognize and attend to your own needs.For many the stress and trauma of grief means that additional help is needed. Counselling can provide important information, guidance and support as you care for your loved one and yourself.

What is Counselling?

Counselling provides an opportunity to talk, in confidence, to someone experienced in listening to people who have been bereaved by suicide or affected by a loved one’s suicide attempt. Counselling can offer brief, practical support and guidance to help you handle the emotions and life changes associated with a suicide or suicide attempt by a friend or loved one. Counselling can provide help and support to:

• talk about the suicide or suicide attempt
• have a safe place to express your feelings
• obtain factual information about suicide and its effects
• understand and deal with other people's reactions to a suicide attempt
• get advice on practical/social concerns
• feel better about yourself

The Service

CASA’s Specialist Counselling Service is funded by the Ministry of Health and is free and confidential. This service offers the following support:

• up to six sessions of free counselling
• counselling provided in your home if you prefer
• information on what to do after a suicide attempt
• counselling for anyone affected by a suicide attempt - family/whanau including children, friends and associates
• Maori Cultural Service available including support by a Kaumatua

Where is CASA Counselling Available

This free confidential service is available in the following DHB regions:

• Waitemata
• Auckland
• Counties Manukau
• Tairawhiti
• Hawke's Bay
• Nelson Marlborough
• Canterbury

How to Contact Us

The Clinical Manager of the service is Dr Louisa Walker.

You can contact the service on free phone 0800 448 353
or email  scs@casa.org.nz .