IMPORTANT UPDATE – REFERRALS CLOSED UNTIL FEBRUARY 2026
Due to very high demand and limited counselling capacity, Freedom Counselling is temporarily pausing new referrals from the Perth metropolitan area until February 2026.
If you live outside the Perth metro area (regional or remote WA), you are still welcome to submit a referral, and our team will continue to process these as usual.
We understand it can be hard to reach out and not get the support you were hoping for.
This pause will help us reduce current wait times and ensure that when we re-open, young people can access help in a timely and safe way. While Perth metro referrals are paused, there are still ways for young people to stay connected and supported through Freedom:
Be Queer, Do Craft
Therapeutic art groups held on Tuesdays, open to young LGBTIQA+ people wanting a creative, relaxed space to express themselves and connect.
To find out more about our Be Queer, Do Craft sessions, head to the link below:
https://www.freedom.org.au/what-we-do/group-facilitation/
Freedom Centre Drop-In Sessions
Casual, peer-led spaces where you can hang out, meet others, talk with peer educators, and find community support in a safe and inclusive environment.
To learn more about Freedom Centre’s Drop-In Sessions, head to the link below:
https://www.freedom.org.au/what-we-do/drop-in-sessions/
Alongside these, there are also other safe and queer-affirming services available for young people seeking connection, support, or counselling.
Where else can I get support?
We know waiting for help isn’t easy, and we want young people to stay connected and supported in the meantime. These services are welcoming, queer-affirming, and designed for 12–25-year-olds.
Support Options:
WA and Perth:
- Headspace – Free, youth-friendly mental health support for 12–25-year-olds. Centres across Perth and WA. Find a headspace near you.
- Freedom Centre (WAAC) – Peer-led drop-in and activities for LGBTIQA+ young people aged 12–26. A safe place to connect with others.
- Living Proud WA – Community and peer connection for LGBTIQA+ people. They can link you with local youth groups and supports.
National and Online:
- Kids Helpline – Free, confidential support for ages 5–25. Call 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
- QLife – LGBTIQA+ peer support and crisis line (ages ~15+). Call 1800 184 527 or webchat (3 pm–midnight daily).
- ReachOut – Online resources and moderated forums for under-25s. Visit ReachOut.
If you need urgent help:
- Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7)
- Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 (ages 5–25)
- If you are in immediate danger, call 000
About our counsellors
Our fabulous LGBTIQA+ youth counsellors are here to support you. Whether you’re struggling with your identity, worried about a situation or just want a non-judgmental person to talk to, our counsellors are here for you.
How do I book a counselling appointment?
Freedom Counselling is currently accepting new referrals from regional and remote areas of WA only.
Due to very high demand, we are not taking new referrals from the Perth metropolitan area until February 2026.
If you live outside the Perth metro area, you can book counselling by completing the Freedom Counselling referral form and attaching it to the booking request below, or by emailing it to freedomcounselling@waac.com.au.
You can complete this form yourself, or your support worker, counsellor, social worker, or GP can complete it on your behalf.
Once we receive your referral, we’ll review it within 3–4 business days, and our Intake Officer will contact you to begin the process. Freedom Counselling generally offers 10–15 free sessions, after which your needs and progress are reassessed before determining next steps.
Counselling appointments are available across WA, with face-to-face, online, and phone options.
If you are based in the Perth metro area, you’re welcome to attend our “Be Queer, Do Art” therapeutic art group or drop-in sessions at the Freedom Centre. We also encourage you to explore the support options listed on this page for other queer-affirming services available during the referral pause.
Why is this happening?
Demand for youth-affirming counselling has increased across WA (especially following the closure of Rainbow Community House). We’re working with partners and funders to expand safe, accessible options for young people.