Finding an LGBTQIA+ therapist, counsellor, or psychologist in Melbourne
I want to help you find an LGBTQIA+ therapist in Melbourne
* Read time: 5-7 minutes
Melbourne is lucky enough to have one of Australia's largest LGBTQIA+ communities. However, finding a therapist in Melbourne who will be queer-affirmative can be difficult. It is hard enough to reach out to a therapist to share your deepest vulnerabilities with them without also worrying if they could be bigoted.
If you are looking for a coach, counsellor, therapist, or psychologist – I’d like to help you find someone who can help.
Here are some pointers for finding someone that might be a good fit for you.
1. Ask a friend
Ask people close to you in your community if they know anyone who might be a good fit. Ideally, they have experience working with the therapist to detail what it might be like working with them. Ask your friend the details about why they think the two of you would connect.
2. Browse directories for LGBT therapists
Multiple therapist directories are available to find a therapist that might be the right fit for you. Many have filters you can use to narrow down the list according to your preferences. Some key directories include:
Vic Inclusive Practitioners (a list of therapists and practitioners working with diverse populations and with lived experience; this includes LGBT counselling) https://www.vicinclusivepractitioners.com/. A huge thanks to Juniper Muller for creating this resource
Psychology Today: www.psychologytoday.com
Good Therapy: https://www.goodtherapy.com.au/
Australian Association of Social Workers: https://www.aasw.asn.au/find-a-social-worker/search/
PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia): https://www.pacfa.org.au/find-a-therapist/
Australian Psychological Society: https://www.psychology.org.au/Find-a-Psychologist
3. Be aware of long speciality lists.
Check to see what specific LGBTQIA+ counselling experience they have.
Unfortunately, many therapists have a long list of specialty areas on their listings. Consider this a red flag, given the time and training it takes to develop any one area of speciality or expertise.
Check whether a therapist specifically comments on their LGBTQIA+ knowledge on their website. You may be able to access their work history on Linkedin to see whether they have worked for speciality services.
5. Do a google search for ‘LGBT counselling’
Google can help you get a sense of what therapists are close by that offer specialty services. You can also narrow your search with particular keywords to suit your preferences.
6. Read their website to gauge the fit
A therapist's website is a great way to gauge a therapist’s approach. A good therapist's website will give you a sense of what it might be like to work with them through their words and the overall tone of the branding.
7. Ask for a free consultation and trust your intuition
Investing your time and money in seeing an LGBT counsellor is a significant decision. Most therapists offer free phone or video calls to help you get to know them before making an appointment. If that isn't clear on their website, asking for a free consultation is okay.
In this call, you'll need to trust your intuition about whether this seems like someone you open up to. Do they help make you feel comfortable? Do they leave room for you to ask questions? Do they have lived the LGBT experience? (Yes, it is okay to ask this.)
It can also help prepare a list of questions you might have before the call to make sure you get these covered.
A complimentary therapy consultation in Melbourne
I hope this helps you find the right LGBT therapist/counsellor/psychologist in Melbourne. If you feel stuck, you can book a free 15-minute phone/video consultation through my website. I would be happy to help you find the right person.
