About South Coast Psychology

Meet Need with Care.

South Coast Psychology is a national, multidisciplinary mental health and wellbeing organisation supporting individuals, whānau, communities, and organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand.

We exist for a simple but important reason: to meet need with care.

Across Aotearoa, many people face barriers to accessing timely, appropriate mental health support. South Coast Psychology was established in response to that need—creating accessible, respectful, and culturally grounded services that support people at every stage of their journey.

Who We Are

Today, South Coast Psychology is a nationwide community of psychologists, counsellors, and allied practitioners working collaboratively to deliver high-quality, evidence-informed care.

We bring together clinical expertise, cultural knowledge, and local understanding to provide support that is:

  • Accessible and responsive to individual and community need
  • Culturally informed, grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Kaupapa Māori principles
  • Flexible, with multiple access pathways including ACC, private referrals, and organisational partnerships
  • Connected, through a strong national provider network with regional leadership

Our multidisciplinary model enables us to support people in ways that are tailored, holistic, and practical, whether through individual therapy, group programmes, cultural advisory services, supervision, or organisational support.

Our Approach

At the heart of our work is manaakitanga—a commitment to care, respect, and partnership.

We believe:

  • People are best supported when services walk alongside them, not simply treat them
  • Healing and wellbeing happen within the context of whānau, community, and culture
  • Services should be safe, inclusive, and responsive to diverse needs
  • Providers should be supported to do their best work within a collaborative, connected network

Across our organisation, values such as whanaungatanga (connection), kotahitanga (unity), and manawaroa (resilience) guide how we work—with each other and with the people we serve.

Our Reach and Impact

From our roots in the South Island, South Coast Psychology has grown into a national organisation, supporting communities across both Te Waipounamu and Te Ika-a-Māui.

We work closely with:

  • ACC, including delivery of Sensitive Claims and Psychological Services
  • General practice and community referrers
  • Government and non-government organisations
  • Employers and EAP providers

Through our national model and regional leadership, we are able to respond to local needs while maintaining consistent quality and strong clinical governance across the country.

Our growth has been deliberate and values-led, focused not on expansion for its own sake, but on strengthening access to care where it is most needed.

Our Story

South Coast Psychology was founded by Diane Gillespie, Director, with a vision to respond to unmet need for psychological and wellbeing services in Aotearoa.

From its earliest days, the organisation was shaped by a belief that care should be compassionate, non-judgmental, and accessible, particularly for those who may not otherwise receive support.

As demand has grown across the country, the organisation has evolved into a national service—while remaining grounded in the values that defined its beginnings.

Today, under the leadership of CEO Lee-Anne Van Rooyen, South Coast Psychology continues to strengthen its systems, support its provider community, and expand its ability to deliver high-quality care across Aotearoa.

Looking Ahead

We are committed to building a sustainable, future-focused organisation that continues to:

  • Expand access to timely mental health and wellbeing support
  • Strengthen culturally responsive and inclusive practice
  • Support a thriving, connected community of providers
  • Partner with communities, organisations, and funders to respond to emerging needs

Everything we do returns to our core purpose: meeting need with care across Aotearoa.

Overview of Company Structure

Our Advisory Board

Advisory Board

In 2023, South Coast Psychology Ltd established an Advisory Board in response to the growing need for informed, values aligned guidance. The Board is comprised of individuals with proven records of upholding South Coast Psychology’s values, vision, mission, and way of operating, and who bring the expertise required to support the organisation’s strategic direction.

The purpose of the Advisory Board is to bring together people with collective experience and knowledge across business, psychology, health and social services, accountancy, administration, and cultural leadership. Board members have experience working with the cohorts served by South Coast Psychology and provide advisory input into the design, management, and development of solutions that strengthen the delivery of mental health services across Aotearoa New Zealand. The Advisory Board also offers guidance and support to the Directors as the organisation continues to grow.

The Advisory Board’s role is to contribute new insights, perspectives, and guidance by fostering robust, high quality discussion. While the Board does not hold decision making authority, it provides current knowledge, critical thinking, and considered analysis to support informed decision making and strengthen the confidence of the Directors.

 

As of 1 March 2026, the Advisory Board members are:

  • Diane & Jim Gillespie (Directors)
  • Ria Bond (Chair)
  • Nancy McGregor
  • Erin Howes
  • Matt McDonald
  • Ingrid Roding

The Board and Leadership Team seeks cultural advice from Elly Williams (Tangata Whenua)