At The Three Seas, we offer safe, inclusive, and affirming mental health support for LGBTQAI+ individuals. Whether you are seeking help for anxiety, depression, identity exploration, relationship challenges, or trauma, our experienced team is here for you. If you’re searching for a compassionate LGBTQAI+ psychologist near you, we invite you to experience care that honours and supports your unique journey.
Why Affirming LGBTQAI+ Therapy Is Vital
At The Three Seas, we understand that for LGBTQAI+ individuals, finding a psychologist who offers genuine, informed, and affirming support is essential for meaningful mental health care. Many members of the LGBTQAI+ community have faced barriers to accessing respectful services in the past, and we are committed to creating an environment where you feel seen, heard, and safe.
Emotional Safety
Emotional safety is the foundation of effective therapy. For LGBTQAI+ individuals, emotional safety means knowing that your identity will not be questioned, pathologised, or minimised. It means being supported in a space free from judgement or assumptions.
At The Three Seas, we foster an environment where you are free to express yourself fully, explore your experiences openly, and feel empowered to work through challenges without fear of discrimination or misunderstanding.
Historical Discrimination in Mental Health
Historically, the mental health field has not always been a safe place for LGBTQAI+ individuals. Until relatively recently, diverse sexual orientations and gender identities were often pathologised rather than affirmed.
This legacy of discrimination has led to understandable mistrust for many seeking psychological support. At The Three Seas, we acknowledge this history and are committed to providing therapy that is not only free from bias but actively celebrates the richness and diversity of LGBTQAI+ identities.
We believe that therapy should empower, not erase.
The Need for Truly Informed, Validating Support
Affirming therapy goes beyond “acceptance” — it requires informed, continuous learning on the part of the psychologist.
Our team members are dedicated to understanding the unique challenges faced by LGBTQAI+ individuals, from experiences of minority stress to the complexities of identity development.
Validating support means recognising that your experiences are real, important, and deserving of compassionate care. It means therapy that centres your autonomy, respects your lived experience, and adapts to your needs, rather than trying to fit you into a predefined framework.
Positive Identity Development
A core goal of affirming therapy is to support positive identity development.
Rather than viewing LGBTQAI+ identities as issues to be “managed,” affirming psychologists recognise them as healthy, valuable parts of who you are.
Through therapy, we aim to help you build a strong, resilient sense of self, fostering pride, self-compassion, and confidence in your identity.
This positive identity development can enhance mental health outcomes, improve relationships, and empower you to navigate the broader world authentically.
The Role of Minority Stress and Intersectionality
We recognise that many LGBTQAI+ individuals experience “minority stress” — the cumulative impact of facing stigma, discrimination, and marginalisation.
For some, this may intersect with other aspects of identity such as race, disability, socioeconomic background, or cultural heritage, creating layers of complexity in lived experiences.
At The Three Seas, we take an intersectional approach to care, recognising that no two journeys are the same.
We are committed to understanding how your unique identities shape your experiences, and to working collaboratively with you to navigate these challenges in a way that feels empowering and respectful.
Our Areas of Expertise Supporting LGBTQAI+ Clients
Identity exploration and affirmation
Support during coming out processes
Gender affirmation journeys (including transition-related support)
Relationship and family issues (chosen family support too)
Minority stress, stigma, and discrimination-related trauma
Depression, anxiety, and mental health conditions
Navigating workplaces, education, and societal structures as LGBTQAI+
Support for LGBTQAI+ young people, adults, couples, and families
Our LGBTQAI+ Affirming Psychologists
At The Three Seas, our psychologists are committed to affirming and celebrating LGBTQAI+ identities. Every member of our team receives regular inclusivity and cultural safety training to ensure therapy is a safe and validating space for all.
While not all of our psychologists identify as LGBTQAI+, we are dedicated to providing affirming, supportive care based on lived experience, ongoing learning, and respect for your personal journey.
How Therapy with Us Works
No referral needed (unless claiming Medicare rebates with a GP referral)
In-person appointments across Melbourne (Fitzroy North, Melbourne CBD, Richmond, Wantirna South)
Australia-wide Telehealth sessions available
Confidential, non-judgmental environment
Flexible options to meet your needs
Why Choose The Three Seas Psychology?
Over 20 years supporting Melbourne’s communities
Trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care
Safe, welcoming spaces
Ongoing commitment to LGBTQAI+ inclusivity
Flexible appointment types (in-person and online)
Take the first step towards affirming support today.
Contact us to book an appointment with an LGBTQAI+ affirming psychologist.
LGBTQAI+ Therapy – Frequently Asked Questions
What is LGBTQAI+ affirming therapy?
LGBTQAI+ affirming therapy is a supportive, inclusive approach to psychological care that respects and celebrates diverse sexualities, gender identities, and expressions.
It acknowledges the impact of societal stigma and discrimination while focusing on building resilience, self-acceptance, and emotional wellbeing.
At The Three Seas, affirming therapy means you are seen, heard, and valued exactly as you are. Our psychologists are trained to provide a safe, validating environment where your identity is celebrated, not questioned or pathologised.
How do I find an LGBTQAI+ psychologist near me?
When looking for an LGBTQAI+ affirming psychologist near you, it’s important to seek professionals who explicitly state their commitment to inclusivity and cultural safety.
Look for psychologists who offer affirming services, have experience supporting LGBTQAI+ individuals, and demonstrate an understanding of the unique challenges the community may face.
At The Three Seas, we offer affirming, inclusive therapy services across Melbourne and Australia through Telehealth, making it easier to access support wherever you are.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, absolutely.
All sessions at The Three Seas are strictly confidential in line with Australian privacy laws and professional ethical standards.
Everything you share with your psychologist is private and protected, unless there is a legal obligation to act (for example, if there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others).
We are committed to creating a safe space where you can explore your experiences without fear of judgement, stigma, or breach of confidentiality.
Can I access Medicare rebates for LGBTQAI+ therapy?
Yes, Medicare rebates are available for therapy sessions if you obtain a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your general practitioner (GP).
This plan provides access to a number of subsidised sessions with a registered psychologist each calendar year.
Our team can guide you through the process if you are unsure how to get started.
At The Three Seas, we believe mental health support should be accessible and affordable for everyone.
Do you offer Telehealth sessions for LGBTQAI+ clients?
Yes, we offer Telehealth appointments Australia-wide.
Whether you are based in Melbourne, in regional Victoria, or elsewhere across Australia, you can access affirming LGBTQAI+ support from the comfort and safety of your own space.
Telehealth offers flexibility and convenience, particularly for individuals who may not have an affirming practitioner nearby or who prefer remote sessions.
Our Telehealth services are conducted securely and confidentially, ensuring the same level of care as in-person therapy.
What issues can LGBTQAI+ affirming psychologists help with?
Our LGBTQAI+ affirming psychologists are experienced in supporting a wide range of concerns, including:
Anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions
Identity exploration and affirmation
Navigating coming out experiences
Relationship and family issues
Experiences of minority stress, stigma, or discrimination
Trauma and complex trauma
Gender affirmation journeys and transition-related support
Self-esteem, resilience, and wellbeing building
Whether you are seeking support for general mental health challenges or wish to explore experiences specific to your LGBTQAI+ identity, our team is here to walk alongside you.