Professional Counselling
One of our key services is professional counselling, provided by a team of staff members and volunteers qualified in counselling, social work and psychology.
The counselling service was launched in 2000, with a focus on LGBTQ+ clients and LGBTQ-related issues.
We work primarily with LGBTQ+ individuals, couples and families, including their non-LGBTQ+ family members and partners. We do this in a confidential and safe environment, including the Oogachaga office and/ or using secure online platforms.
Professional counsellors
Our team of professional counsellors come from diverse backgrounds, all of whom adopt an approach that is guided by gay-affirmative practice (Crisp, 2007) and other LGBTQ-affirming professional practices. Counsellors receive regular clinical group supervision. All staff members and volunteers are expected to abide by the Oogachaga Code of Ethics.
Collectively, our counsellors have experience working with clients on the following issues:
Sexual orientation and gender identity
Relationships with family members and partners
Mental health, psychological well-being, self-harm and suicide
Sexuality, sexual behaviour and sexual health
Personal issues, including coping with school, National Service and employment
Other issues, including intimate partner violence, addictions, grief and loss
Counselling fees
In order to cover our operating costs, we charge a fee of $100 for each counselling session. If you are a full-time student or National Serviceman, on low income, or in some financial need, please let us know when you contact us. We would like to make our counselling services affordable and accessible to those who need it.
We raise funds from the community to subsidy counselling fees for those who may need it. If you can contribute, please also consider making a donation here.
Requesting an appointment (updated June 2024)
On average, it is a 1 month wait for a professional counselling appointment, due to high demand. Please continue to access the WhatsApp and Email counselling services while waiting for an appointment. We are very sorry for the inconvenience.
To request a counselling appointment, please submit an online form by clicking on the button below. We will email you within 3 to 5 working days, so please check your email inbox & spam folder.
Other LGBTQ affirming counselling & therapy services
If you wish to explore other counselling options instead, we recommend the following services with LGBTQ-affirming professionals:
Alicia Community Centre (transgender, nonbinary & gender-diverse clients are prioritised)
For addictions & trauma related recovery:
You can refer to this list of professional organisations.
Please note: Oogachaga is not responsible for the information and services provided by these organisations.