Answering Service for Counsellors
You spend 6+ hours a day in sessions. Jodie answers your calls with warmth and discretion, so first-time callers always get through.
Trusted by 1,600+ New Zealand service businesses
The problem
A first-time caller who gets voicemail will not call back
Calling a counsellor for the first time takes real courage. Many people think about it for weeks before picking up the phone. If they hear a voicemail message, most will hang up and not try again. You are in back-to-back sessions all day with no way to answer. By the time you check your phone between clients, the moment has passed.
- 70% of first-time callers will not call back if they reach voicemail
- With 50-minute sessions, you are unavailable for 6+ hours every working day
- A missed new client could mean NZ$2,000+ in lost annual revenue
- A dedicated receptionist costs NZ$1,500+/month for a solo or small practice
70%
of first-time callers will not call back if they get voicemail
6+
hours per day spent in sessions, unable to answer the phone
NZ$1,500+
monthly cost of a receptionist for a counselling practice
How Counsellors Use Jodie
ACC Sensitive Claims Referral
The situation: Someone has been given your name through an ACC sensitive claims referral. They call to book their first session. This is an incredibly difficult call for them to make. You are with a client and cannot answer.
Jodie handles it: Jodie answers with a warm, calm tone. She asks about the referral, takes their name and number, and reassures them that you will be in touch. You get a text with the details so you can call them back between sessions.
Mid-Session Call
The situation: You are 30 minutes into a session. Your phone buzzes with an incoming call from someone asking about your fees and what to expect in a first session. You cannot break the therapeutic space to answer.
Jodie handles it: Jodie picks up and handles the call with care. She takes the caller through your fee details and what a first session involves. She captures their contact details and availability. The message is waiting for you when the session ends.
GP Referral for Subsidised Counselling
The situation: A GP has referred a patient for subsidised counselling sessions. They call to book, but you are in back-to-back sessions all morning.
Jodie handles it: Jodie answers, asks about the GP referral, the caller's availability, and what they are looking for. She lets them know you will follow up to arrange the first session. You get a summary with all the referral details.
After-Hours Distressed Caller
The situation: Someone calls at 10pm. They are not in crisis, but they have had a difficult day and want to book an appointment before they lose the resolve to ask for help.
Jodie handles it: Jodie answers calmly, takes their details and a brief note about what prompted the call. If they mention being in immediate danger, Jodie provides the Need to Talk? number (1737) or Lifeline NZ (0800 543 354). Otherwise, the message is flagged so you see it first thing.
Someone is picking up the phone for the first time. Who answers?
Set up Jodie in under 2 minutes. She answers your calls with the warmth and care your callers deserve.
Get Started for FreeReal reviews Real results from real businesses
Built for Counsellors
Everything you need to make sure no first-time caller slips through the cracks.
Never Miss a First-Time Caller
When someone finally picks up the phone to ask about counselling, Jodie answers straight away. That person hears a warm, professional voice instead of a voicemail tone. Whether they have an ACC referral, a GP letter, or are self-referring.
Session Details and Referral Info Captured
Jodie asks what the caller is looking for, whether they have an ACC sensitive claims referral or GP letter, and takes their contact details. You get everything you need to follow up between sessions.
Sounds Like Your Practice Reception
Callers think they are speaking to your front desk. Jodie knows your specialisations, session types, fees, and availability. She handles the questions people ask before they commit to booking.
Forward During Sessions, Evenings, Weekends
Forward calls when you are with a client, after your last session, or on days you do not work. You decide when Jodie picks up and when you do.
Live in Minutes
No tech skills needed. Set up call forwarding on your phone and Jodie starts answering your practice calls straight away.
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
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Your next client is calling for the first time. Will someone answer?
Let Jodie take your calls while you focus on the client in front of you.
First 7 days free, then pricing from NZ$99/month