Women's and Family Counseling

From personal crisis counseling and legal advice to psychotherapeutic support—we offer women and girls in the region a comprehensive range of free counseling services.

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Counseling for Women & Girls

We offer anonymous, confidential, and free counseling at our locations in Zwettl, Gmünd, Horn, and Waidhofen an der Thaya. Counseling is available during business hours or by phone appointment outside of these hours.


We can help you with:

personal crises & family problems
Separation or Divorce (Psychosocial and Legal Counseling)
Pregnancy and Pregnancy-Related Conflicts
Experiences of violence
Social Issues & Basic Livelihood Security
Contacts with government agencies and institutions
Family Counseling
Death, Grief & Loss
or if you just want to talk

Walk & Talk – Consulting on the Move

Some issues are easier to deal with when we’re on the move.
After an initial consultation at the counseling center, we offer one-on-one counseling during a walk in nature.

One step at a time—for greater clarity and peace of mind.

Schedule an appointment

Counseling for Migrant Women

S.I.E. – Self-determination – Integration – Emancipation.

Counseling and Empowerment for Migrant Women in the Waldviertel Region

Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!

Office Hours & Contact Information

We offer confidential, free, and expert advice.
Consultations can take place in person at our office, by phone if you prefer, or via video call.

Waidhofen on the Thaya

Monday | 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Gmünd

Tuesday | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Horn

Tuesday | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Zwettl

Thursday | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM


Possible topics for counseling

We can provide you with information and support in the following areas, among others:

Residence and Settlement in Austria
Work and career opportunities
family conflicts, especially among young migrant women
Citizenship
financial matters and government benefits
Separation and Divorce (including in bicultural relationships)
German language courses and educational programs
Asylum issues

Legal Advice for Women

A supportive and respectful approach forms the foundation of our work. This allows us to create a safe environment that fosters trust, clarity, and guidance. Our female attorneys provide confidential and easy-to-understand advice on legal issues specific to women.

In person every Monday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Waidhofen/Thaya and every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Horn.

Appointment required!

Telephone consultation

Consulting

Monday | 8:00 AM – 1:00PM
Tuesday | 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Thursday | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Personal consultation

Monday | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM in Waidhofen/Thaya
Tuesday | 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM in Horn


Possible topics for counseling

We can provide you with information and support in the following areas, among others:

Divorce or Separation
(Marriage, Cohabitation, or Registered Partnership)
– Options, Requirements, Deadlines, Costs, and Consequences
Inheritance Law and Transfer Agreements
(e.g., care agreements)
legal issues related to migration and asylum
Custody and visitation rights
(sole or joint custody, best interests of the child)
Experiences of violence
Legal protection for cohabiting couples
in the event of a separation
Child Support and Child Support Disputes

Important Note

This offer does not include legal representation in court and is not a substitute for legal services.

Parenting counseling prior to a divorce by mutual consent

In accordance with Section 95(1a) of the Non-Contentious Proceedings Act, we offer mandatory parental counseling at our locations in Zwettl and Waidhofen an der Thaya

This counseling is required by law and helps parents focus their attention on the needs of their minor children —even during times of upheaval. 

This service is intended for women and couples who are planning an uncontested divorce.

Purpose of the consultation

Strengthening parental responsibility
Focus on the well-being of children
Support for co-parenting after a separation
Addressing questions and uncertainties during the separation process

Costs

Individual counseling:
€30 per hour per person
Couples Counseling:
€60 per hour

Psychotherapy for Women

We help women find women-centered psychotherapy and guide them toward the right therapeutic support, whether in individual or group settings.

Placement Process

If you are interested, there will be three preliminary interviews.

During these discussions, we will work together to clarify:

Your current concerns and your personal situation
Possible goals and solutions
Therapeutic alternativesin the event of a separation
Organizational framework
(e.g., treatment focus, insurance, financial situation, frequency and duration of therapy, procedure)

Important Note

Due to high demand, there may be longer wait times for individual therapy slots. In addition, psychotherapy groups for women are held regularly.


Contact & Appointments


Psychotherapy Covered by Health Insurance

Referrals are made through our ÖGK-contracted psychotherapists as part of the health insurance-funded psychotherapy program specifically for women.

All questions about women's counseling

Here you'll find answers to all your questions about our services.

What services do women's and girls' counseling centers offer?

We provide counseling to women and girls aged 14 and older—free of charge, confidentially, and anonymously. You can talk to us about anything that’s weighing on your mind. We’ll listen and won’t pressure you into anything. You don’t have to make a quick decision.
Our services include psychosocial and legal counseling, counseling for migrant women (interpretation available), psychotherapy (covered by health insurance), groups and events, and parenting counseling (§95A). You can visit us in person or connect online via video or chat.

How can I get in touch?

You can call a counseling center or send an email with your question. If a counseling center cannot be reached by phone, you can leave your name and phone number to request a callback. You will be called back shortly. Your email inquiries will also be answered as soon as possible. Of course, you can also visit a counseling center in person during its regular business hours. Please check the respective opening hours in advance. When you first make contact, you can discuss with the staff member at the women’s or girls’ counseling center which services are right for you.

Are the services offered by the Women's Counseling Center free of charge?

These services are free of charge. Parenting counseling under Section 95A is subject to a fee (€30 per person).

How do I schedule a consultation?

You can schedule an appointment for a personal consultation by phone or email.

How long does a counseling session last, and how often can I visit the counseling center?

A counseling session usually lasts 1 hour. The number of sessions will be determined by the counselor in consultation with you.

Do I need to bring a mat?

Not for an initial consultation with a mental health counselor; however, for legal counseling, it may be helpful to bring contracts and other relevant documents with you to the initial consultation.

Do I have to give my name when I register or during the consultation?

No. If you would like to use our services anonymously, that is possible. Anonymity, confidentiality, and discretion are the guiding principles of women’s and girls’ counseling centers!

Every woman has the right to a life of self-determination and free from violence.

Whether you need legal advice, psychological counseling, or immediate crisis support, we can provide the safe space you need.

Together we discover new perspectives.

No matter how complex your situation may seem, there are always options and solutions. Our counselors will support you with their expertise and empathy as you take the lead in planning your next steps.