Mental Health & Counselling

Need support? Start here.

Complete our online intake form or call (03) 9865 6700 and we’ll help you find the right service for you.

You don’t need to know exactly what you need — just tell us what’s going on and we’ll work it out together.

If you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact emergency services on '000'. Alternatively, to talk to someone now, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

What we can help with

Our counsellors and peer workers support people around:

• Coming out, identity exploration and gender affirmation
• Anxiety, depression and low mood
• Relationships, break-ups and family rejection
• Loneliness, isolation and building connection
• Grief, loss and trauma
• Stigma, discrimination and hate-based experiences
• Living with HIV and sexual health stress
• Alcohol or other drug (AOD) concerns
• Family or intimate partner violence

If you’re unsure whether counselling, AOD or family violence support is the best fit — our intake team will help you decide. There is no wrong door.

Counselling options — free & Medicare-subsidised

Free counselling

Short-term, confidential support for LGBTIQ+ people and people living with HIV.

This is ideal if you:

• Need support quickly (wait times may apply, unless you’ve had a recent HIV diagnosis)
• Are experiencing financial hardship
• Are looking for brief or solution-focused counselling

We may also be able to provide support to family members of LGBTIQ+ folk and people living with HIV. For example, support if someone’s partner is transitioning, or if a parent wants to understand their loved one’s HIV diagnosis.

Medicare-subsidised counselling — Under the Rainbow

With a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP you can access:

• Up to 10 sessions per year
• With a $50 out-of-pocket fee per session

This option may suit you if you:

• Want longer-term therapy
• Prefer greater session flexibility
• Are able to contribute to session costs

If cost is a barrier, you will not be turned away — we’ll support you through our free counselling options.

Therapeutic groups & peer programs

We also run structured therapeutic groups for LGBTIQ+ people focused on:

• Anxiety, stress and mental wellbeing
• Substance use and mental health
• Building coping skills and confidence
• Strengthening relationships and connection

Call us to find out more about our therapeutic groups.

Support outside central Melbourne

If you are aged 26+ and live in Dandenong, Melton, Bendigo, Kyneton or Echuca, you may be able to access free, local support through our Mental Health & Wellbeing Locals.

Alcohol & Other Drugs and Family Violence support

We provide specialist LGBTIQ+-affirming services for:

• Alcohol & other drug concerns
• Family or intimate partner violence

You can access these through the same intake form or phone number — we’ll connect you to the right team.