Counselling
LGBTQ+ Counselling at MindOut is a low-cost counselling service based in Brighton, which is run by and for LGBTQ+ communities.
Our service is impartial, independent and non-judgemental. We offer counselling primarily face to face for 12 sessions, though we do also offer online/telephone counselling. Our counselling will provide you the safety and support that you need.
All our counsellors identify as LGBTQ+, and are either qualified from or training on, courses provided by recognised professional Counselling bodies.
Our LGBTQ+ counsellors can work with a wide variety of issues, including gender, sexuality, bereavement, depression, anxiety, illness, disability, hate crime, stress, work issues, parenting, sex, relationships and many other mental health issues. Our service is mainly delivered by trainee volunteer counsellors. Unfortunately they may not be able to work with clients who experience psychosis, mania, complex PTSD and certain other mental health conditions. Or those people experiencing addictions to drugs and alcohol. If necessary, we will signpost or refer people to other organisations if we assess that we are not able to offer the support someone needs.
Sometimes you may not know what the problem is, but just feel that you need some support. Whatever the issue our LGBTQ+ counselling service can help.
We understand that going into counselling can be a vulnerable experience, but we want you to know that it does get better and we will support you in the best way possible.
To make an application for counselling, please click on this link. Once we reach your application in our waiting list, we will contact you to arrange a date for an assessment for counselling.
What happens when I sign up?
Once you complete the form, we will contact you for an assessment session. This is where we ask further questions about what you want from counselling as well as the type of counsellor you would like. We then strive to pair you with a counsellor that we feel would be best to support you through the 12-session journey.
How much does the counselling cost?
At MindOut we aim to provide a low-cost service so mental health support is accessible to all in the LGBTQ community. We have a sliding scale of fees based on your income and your circumstances to ensure you can afford to access the support you need.
How long is each session and is it weekly?
The sessions we provide are usually 50 minutes long in a weekly format. However, if it was requested for the sessions to be fortnightly, this could be discussed within the assessment.
Is the service only for those in Brighton and Hove?
Our counselling service primarily caters to individuals in Brighton and Hove and the surrounding areas. We offer both online sessions and face-to-face sessions at our Brighton offices. While we do accept applications for online counselling from people across the country, our capacity for these is limited
I need additional assistance in completing the form. Can someone help me?
If you would like any help to complete the application, please ring 0300 7729855.
MindOut complies with Accessible Information Standards and can help you with any communication or information needs you have.
Can I volunteer to be a counsellor at MindOut?
We are not currently taking anymore applications for volunteer counsellor placements, as we working our way through the applications we already have. We will open the application process again in the new new year.
For more information, please email [email protected]
More about us
The service is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and is informed by the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. See: http://www.bacp.co.uk
This service has been funded in the past from the Rainbow Fund, Lloyds Bank Foundation, Sussex Community Foundation, donations from Bear Patrol and community fundraising. If you would like to make a donation to support this vital service please donate here.
