Counselling

If you have been injured by a violent crime or modern slavery in NSW, counselling can help you recover from the psychological and emotional impacts.

The Victims Support Scheme offers up to 22 hours of counselling. 

Once the allocation is used, further hours may be approved for exceptional reasons or if the applicant was a victim of child sexual assault or child physical abuse.

Who can apply?

You can apply to get counselling if you are:

• a primary victim
  
• a secondary victim
  
• a family victim
  
• an extended family member of a homicide victim (a relative of a homicide victim, not considered a family victim, who is affected by the victim's death).

For more information about primary, secondary and family victims, see Eligibility criteria.

How long do I have to apply?

There is no time limit to apply for counselling through the Victims Support Scheme. You can apply at any time after the incident. 

 How do I apply?

To apply for counselling, please select the relevant online application form and follow the instructions to complete your application:

• If you are a primary victim or secondary victim, use the Application for Support.
• If you are a family victim or an extended family member of a homicide victim, use the Application for Support for Family Members of a Homicide Victim.
  

If you're unable to apply online, you can download a PDF application form and send your completed form and supporting documents to us by email or post.  

What do I need to apply?

You need to submit a completed application form and a clear copy or image of your current government-issued identification, such as a driver licence, passport, Medicare card or Centrelink card.

If the applicant is under the age of 18, a copy of the child applicant's identification and their parent or guardian's identification must be provided with the application form. If you're unable to provide identification documents, please contact us to discuss your options. 

To find out what types of identification we accept, visit Supporting documents.

What happens next?

If your application for counselling is approved, you can use our search tool to find an approved counsellor that's right for you. 

Approved counsellors are qualified and experienced health professionals that deliver counselling under the Victims Support Scheme. They can support you to manage and recover from the impacts of violent crime or modern slavery. 

Visit Find an approved counsellor to search the list of approved counsellors by their location, experience, languages spoken, gender and the type of consultation they offer, including online, video and phone consultations.

You can contact them to request an appointment or to find out more about them. You need to provide them with your name and Victims Services reference number, and let them know if you need an interpreter.