Support

Faith, sexuality and gender identity can be a difficult mix for many people. freedom2b seeks to help LGBTI people wherever they are in their journey by offering peer support, informational resources, and referrals to professional services. You can read our support policy here.

If you or someone you know is at risk of self-harm, or otherwise in need of crisis support, please call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1 300 659 467.

Individuals and organisations which are able to offer professional support are listed below. For more specific sections, please see our Faith & Religion page for biblical resources and welcoming churches, the Sexuality & Gender Identity page for scientific perspectives and LGBTI community groups, and the Family & Friends page for support groups focused on other social aspects.

Private Psychologists

The following individuals are known to freedom2b, and have particular expertise in dealing with issues surrounding faith, sexuality and gender identity.

• ACT: Terese Hutchison
  Terese is a former board member of freedom2b and still visits us regularly. She is now based in Canberra and can be contacted on 0421 646 011
• NSW: Dr Lindsay Duncan – lin-mind.com
  Lindsay has practices both in the Sydney CBD and Blue Mountains.
• NSW: Raina Jardin – rainajardin.com
  Raina Jardin runs a practice in Surry Hills, Sydney.
• QLD: Paul Martin – cfhp.com.au
  Paul is the principal psychologist at the Centre for Human Potential in Brisbane. He has a great deal of experience in faith and LGBTI issues, being a former ex-gay leader with Exodus

The costs of counselling by private providers can be covered by the Australian Government’s Medicare program in some circumstances, such as for people suffering serious depression. Assessment by a general practitioner and referral is necessary. Details are can be seen on the Dept of Health website.

Organisations

The following organisations are specifically listed here for their offerings of counselling and support. For more LGBTI organisations which offer a wider array of services, please see the sexuality & gender identity support page.

• NSW: HopeStreet – Urban Compassion – hopestreet.org.au
  HopeStreet is known for its specific knowledge of issues facing LGBTI people of faith.
• NSW: Gay & Lesbian Counselling Service of NSW – glcsnsw.org.au
  GLCS NSW supports LGBTI people in NSW by way of telephone counselling and group get-togethers
• QLD: Gay & Lesbian Welfare Association – glwa.org
  GLWA provides Queensland LGBTI telephone counselling services.
• SA: Gay & Lesbian Community Services of SA – glcssa.org
  GLCSSA provides counselling and information on sexuality and sexual health for South Australians
• TAS & VIC: Gay & Lesbian Switchboard – switchboard.org.au
  The Gay & Lesbian Switchboard provides telephone counselling to LGBTI people in Tasmania and Victoria.
• WA: Gay & Lesbian Community Services – glcs.org.au
  GLCS WA serves LGBTI people in Western Australia. It offers counselling, training and workshop courses, as well as links with other local groups.