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Counselling

Confidential LGBTQ+ affirming counselling for people in Scotland, to get therapeutic support.

Community members at Pride Edinburgh holding a trans flag with text 'Persevere'

LGBTQ+ affirming counselling

A structured therapeutic space with counsellors trained in LGBTQ+ identities, issues and experiences.

Why LGBTQ+ affirming counselling

You might want to talk about your sexuality or gender identity without fear of judgement. Or you might want support with other parts of life, knowing your counsellor won’t make assumptions about who you are.

One of our counselling clients told us:

“I’ve previously not felt comfortable disclosing that I’m queer to counsellors, even thought it is hugely important to issues that I want to work through in counselling. The fact that this is an LGBTQ+ service made me much more trusting of my counsellor and was an immense advantage to the counselling process.”

What counselling can help with

People come to counselling for many reasons, including:

  • gender or sexual identity
  • coming out
  • confidence or self‑esteem
  • depression, anxiety or low mood
  • isolation or loneliness
  • relationship or sexual issues
  • experiences of abuse

Anything affecting your wellbeing is welcome in the space.

What we offer

11 weekly sessions with one of our volunteer counsellors.

Sessions take place online or in-person in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Our counsellors are volunteers who are either fully qualified or in the final stages of accredited training. They receive ongoing professional supervision and follow the BACP Code of Practice.

Cost: donation

Donations help cover essential costs to continue providing our counselling services.

  • We suggest £30 per session (counselling in Edinburgh or Glasgow usually costs around £60)
  • We’re grateful for any amount, £5, £30 or £50 per session, it all counts
  • You won’t be turned away if you can’t donate
  • Refugees or people seeking asylum who can’t access public funds don’t need to donate

Your Counselling Coordinator will talk with you about donations during your initial appointment. If your financial situation changes later and you are not able to donate, your counselling will not be affected.

How to get started

Step 1: Send us a referral

Complete a referral form.

Or contact us by email or phone.

Edinburgh: counselling@lgbthealth.org.uk or 0131 564 3970.

Glasgow: glasgow@lgbthealth.org.uk or 0141 255 1767.

Step 2: Initial appointment

We’ll invite you to meet with our Counselling Coordinator to:

  • talk about what brings you to counselling
  • find out what counselling can offer
  • explore whether counselling feels right for you
  • discuss any donation you may be able to make
  • talk about your availability for weekly sessions

If counselling feels like a good fit, you’ll then be added to our waiting list.

In Glasgow, you will get an initial appointment (lasting 1 hour) within 8 weeks of your referral.

In Edinburgh, you will get an online initial appointment (lasting 45 minutes) within 20 weeks of your referral.

Service updates

Edinburgh

Our Edinburgh counselling service is temporarily closed to new referrals. This helps us offer safe and effective support to those already on our list and keep waiting times under six months.

Glasgow

Our Glasgow Counselling Service is open for new referrals. Please note: counselling for new referrals submitted after Monday 16 February will take place by videocall.

A community member outside in a park phoning the helpline.

Helpline

If you need someone to listen, our LGBTQ+ helpline is here for you by phone, live chat, or email.

What's On

Here’s what’s happening soon in our wellbeing group activities, or explore our full programme of events for more ways to connect.

Check full programme

Clay Time

A free creative clay workshop for LGBTQ+ people (age 16+) in Glasgow.
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13 April 2026, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Walk n’ Talk

A relaxed walk around Holyrood Park for LGBTQ+ people (16+) with a special welcome to…
Read More
26 April 2026, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm