Find a Mental Health Professional for Gender Diverse & Transgender Wellbeing

About Gender Diverse & Transgender Wellbeing support

Finding gender-affirming mental health support in Australia is increasingly possible, and the practitioners listed here genuinely understand transgender and gender diverse experiences. This category covers gender dysphoria, the emotional dimensions of gender affirmation, coming out processes, minority stress, and the impact of family acceptance or rejection on gender diverse people. Affirming therapy does not treat gender identity as a problem to be solved. It works from a position of respect and curiosity, supporting you to navigate your own experience on your own terms. Whether you are exploring your gender, mid-transition, or supporting a gender-diverse family member, the right practitioner can make a significant difference. Telehealth has substantially expanded access for gender diverse people in regional and rural areas, where local affirming practitioners may be limited.

Support resources

• TransHub

  ACON's comprehensive resource hub for trans and gender diverse people in Australia, including information on healthcare pathways and wellbeing.

• QLife

  Free anonymous LGBTQIA+ peer support by phone and webchat, available daily 3pm to midnight across Australia.

• ACON

  NSW-based LGBTQ+ health organisation with resources, referrals, and advocacy for gender diverse people and their families.

Further reading

• Queer mental health and lived experience: finding a therapist who gets it

  What affirming therapy actually looks like, and how to find a practitioner who understands LGBTQIA+ experiences.

• How to get a Mental Health Care Plan

  How to access Medicare-rebated therapy sessions through your GP, including what to expect and how many sessions you can access each year.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find a gender-affirming psychologist or therapist in Australia?

Search this directory and filter for the gender diverse category. Look for practitioners who explicitly describe themselves as gender affirming or who mention experience with trans and gender diverse clients. ACON, QLife, and other LGBTQ+ organisations in your state can also provide referrals. It is entirely appropriate to ask a practitioner about their training and experience with gender diverse clients before booking.

Is therapy for gender dysphoria or gender affirmation covered by Medicare?

Mental health therapy related to gender dysphoria or the psychological dimensions of gender affirmation can be accessed through a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, giving you Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. The plan covers the mental health impact rather than the physical aspects of gender affirmation. NDIS participants may also access support where there is a psychosocial disability related to mental health.

What should I look for in a gender-affirming therapist?

A gender-affirming therapist will not pathologise your gender identity or treat gender diversity as a problem to be solved. They will work from an informed, non-judgemental framework, use your correct name and pronouns, and understand the social and systemic pressures gender diverse people face. Look for practitioners who have completed specific training in gender-affirming practice and who are familiar with Australian healthcare pathways for gender-affirming care.

Is telehealth available for gender-affirming therapy in Australia?

Yes. Many gender-affirming practitioners offer telehealth, which is particularly important for trans and gender diverse people in regional and rural areas where local affirming therapists may not be available. Medicare rebates apply to telehealth sessions at the same rate as in-person sessions.

How do I find support for gender affirmation if I am under 18?

Young people under 18 can access mental health support through their GP, headspace centres, and practitioners with experience in adolescent gender-affirming care. A parent or guardian is usually involved in the referral process for younger teens. The Royal Children's Hospital Gender Service and similar specialist services in major cities can provide assessment and support for young people and their families.

What is the difference between gender identity and gender dysphoria?

Gender identity is a person's internal sense of their own gender. Gender dysphoria refers to the distress that can arise when a person's gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Not all trans and gender diverse people experience dysphoria, and a diagnosis of gender dysphoria is not required to access affirming therapy or to identify as trans or non-binary.

Can a psychologist refer me for gender-affirming hormone therapy?

Psychologists cannot prescribe hormone therapy directly. However, a psychologist's assessment and letter of support is often required or recommended as part of the referral process to an endocrinologist or GP who prescribes gender-affirming hormones. Your psychologist can help you prepare for and navigate this process, and some are experienced in writing the clinical documentation required.

What support is available for families of transgender and gender-diverse people?

Family acceptance has a significant positive impact on the mental health of gender diverse young people. Practitioners who work with gender diverse clients often also offer support to parents and siblings navigating a family member's transition. PFLAG Australia provides peer support for families, and many headspace centres and community mental health services can also support families alongside the young person.