Introducing Medicare-Subsidised Counselling
22 Jul 2025
Thorne Harbour Health is proud to launch Under the Rainbow, our new Medicare-subsidised counselling service. At just $50 per session, this new offering expands on our existing free mental health counselling, helping us support more members of our LGBTIQA+ communities. We have a new dedicated psychologist available for this program.
What is Under the Rainbow?
We know our communities experience disproportionately high rates of mental ill-health, and the demand for affirming, culturally safe mental health support continues to grow. In addition to partnering with Mind Australia on Mental Health Locals and supporting mainstream services through our DEI training program, we’re also expanding our own capacity to care.
Our existing free service is often at capacity, with wait times stretching for a month or more. Under the Rainbow aims to bridge that gap by offering timely access to longer-term counselling, not just crisis care.
How does it work?
Participants can access up to 10 individual counselling sessions per calendar year with a $50 out-of-pocket fee per session.
We understand that the rising cost of living affects many in our communities. While this service offers a sustainable model for those who can contribute, no one will be turned away due to financial hardship. Clients who are unable to pay will be referred to our free general counselling program.
Under the Rainbow is particularly suited to people experiencing significant distress, complex trauma, or those in need of ongoing therapeutic support.
How to access the service
You can be referred through your GP or via our intake form on our website. A Mental Health Care Plan is required — most GPs can help you with this.
If you’re unsure about the process or don’t yet have a Care Plan, don’t worry — just give us a call and we’ll walk you through it.
Call (03) 9865 6700 to get started.
We hope Under the Rainbow will help meet the mental health needs of LGBTIQA+ Victorians — now and into the future — through a scalable, sustainable model of affirming care.