WaitlistsOur counselling service currently has a minimum 8-week waiting time. To get onto the waitlist:
Our psychology service is currently at capacity, and the waitlist is closed for now due to high demand. We expect to reopen referrals in early 2026 and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. You may also find these resources helpful: |
Meridian provides the ACT’s leading professional, peer-led counselling and psychology service for people living with or impacted by HIV, sex workers and members of LGBTQ+ communities, as well as their families-of-choice, carers and allies. We provide a non-judgemental, trauma-informed and compassionate environment for diverse Canberrans to safely access quality mental health and medical care.
We have a team of qualified and registered mental health professionals, many of whom bring lived experience to their roles. Our team members will accompany you on your mental health and wellbeing journey, helping you build resilience to counter the challenges that affect our communities.
Our approach is sex-positive and affirming of gender, sexuality, kink, intersectional identities, neurodivergence and diverse relationships, including monogamy, non-monogamy and polyamory.
We are an appointment-based service; we are not a crisis service.
Our services
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Service |
CounsellingWe are committed to providing a free, safe, inclusive and non-judgemental therapeutic environment that values the unique lived experiences of anyone seeking counselling with our team. Counselling is available both in-person and online. This service is made possible with assistance from the ACT Government under the LGBTIQ+ Community Health Services Program. |
Inclusive Pathways (Psychology)We provide free psychological therapies and social and emotional wellbeing support based on a dynamic, strengths-based and person-centred model of care to affirm and support people of diverse sexualities and genders. The program is especially valuable for those exploring or questioning their identity, offering culturally safe and trauma-informed support from psychologists experienced in working with LGBTQ+ communities. This program is funded by the Capital Health Network (CHN). |
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Clinician |
Counsellor |
Psychologist |
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Supports available |
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Eligibility |
This service is available for people aged 15+ who live, work or study in the ACT and meet at least one of the following criteria:
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This service is available for people who meet all of the following criteria:
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Cost |
Free Medicare is not required |
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Please see the top of this page for our current wait times.
We also have a Clinical Care Coordinator who can help you identify your wellbeing needs and goals, so you can make an informed decision about which services to access. They can support you with service planning and navigation, risk assessment, needs conceptualisation, and support to obtain a Mental Health Care Plan if you don’t already have one.
How we work with you
Meridian Wellbeing Services provides counselling and psychology support tailored to your specific needs, focusing on achieving your wellbeing goals. We use a ‘segment of care’ model, which is designed to increase client access and cater to various support needs.
Depending on your goals, you can access 4 to 8 counselling sessions within a segment of care. The exact number of sessions will be collaboratively determined with your clinician.
Upon completing a segment of care, you can re-engage by submitting another referral, subject to a maximum of 12 sessions in a 12-month period.
Wait time between segments of care will vary.
What we do not provide
- couples counselling (although we can provide individual support on relationship challenges)
- diagnostic assessments
- diagnosis of gender dysphoria in adolescence (under 18 years) for the purpose of commencing puberty suppression or gender-affirming hormone treatment (HRT)
- dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
Quality standards
Meridian is accredited to the National Standards for Mental Health Services (NSMHS).
Meridian Wellbeing Services is not a crisis service.
We are an appointment-based service. We only respond to phone calls and emails during normal business hours: 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
If you, or someone you know is in crisis, please contact emergency services on 000 or a crisis support service.