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LGBTIQA+ communities in the ACT have diverse health needs. Historically, health services have not had a strong understanding of the mental health needs of LGBTIQA+ communities. Prevailing social stigma and discrimination have led to greater barriers to accessing health services and poorer mental health outcomes. Therefore, there is a need for community-oriented and person-centred mental health services that identify and understand the intersectional needs of the ACT LGBTIQA+ community.
CHN, ACT’s PHN, commissioned Meridian to run the Inclusive Pathways program to provide high-quality and trauma informed evidence-based psychological therapies and psychosocial strategies to the LGBTIQA+ community that live/work/study in the ACT. The program fosters mental well-being and resilience within the LGBTIQA+ community, continuing to set benchmarks in inclusive and accessible mental health care. With a strong and unwavering demand for services, Inclusive Pathways operates at full capacity while also effectively managing a waitlist. In addition, over the last year it also ran group activities and hosted a Master of Clinical Psychology student and a Master of Social Work student on placement, both of whom contributed to the delivery of safe, high-quality, evidence-based, and trauma-informed mental health services to the LGBTIQA+ community in the ACT. Resulting in an offer of employment to the Master of Clinical Psychology student at the end of their placement.
Through its comprehensive and individualised approach, Inclusive Pathways provides invaluable support to individuals with diverse lived experiences. By combining evidence-based psychological strategies with specialised care, the program empowers clients to address mental health concerns and explore their identities with an affirming and inclusive approach.
Over the last year, Inclusive Pathways provided support to 68 clients. Of those who participated in the program, 99% felt safe to be themselves and accepted, 96% felt their experiences and needs were understood, 83% showed improved emotional wellbeing and resilience and 81% reported improved health and wellbeing. Meridian also recently launched its GP/Nurse primary health services which included support for Inclusive Pathways clients in accessing a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) at no cost.
Engaging with peer-informed and lived-experience clinicians in a LGBTIQA+ affirming practice has consistently resulted in significant reductions in psychological distress across a diverse range of client needs. These outcomes not only reflect the effectiveness of tailored support. Each client received personalised care that included thorough assessments of their psychological and emotional needs, leading to the development of structured treatment plans aimed at achieving specific therapeutic goals. By integrating these elements into practice, clients received holistic and effective psychological interventions that promoted long-term well-being and resilience. This approach underscores the importance of inclusive and competent psychological services in supporting individuals as they navigate complex life challenges and diverse identities.
Client story
Samuel* (not his real name) sought psychological support to address gender dysphoria. Samuel was struggling with alcohol use and had broad and complex needs beyond specific mental health needs, including risk of homelessness, financial distress, social isolation, and lack of formal and informal support.
A personalised care plan was created with Samuel to address both alcohol use and gender-related health goals. Access to gender-affirming health care, and other inclusive support services catering psychological and non-psychological needs was facilitated. Samuel sought assistance at a residential Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) service to manage their substance use.
Samuel expressed the intention to return to our service once their substance use was appropriately managed through the residential AOD program. A plan was put in place to resume support upon Samuel ‘s return, ensuring a more structured and effective approach to addressing both gender dysphoria and substance use. This case study highlights the importance of integrating substance use management strategies into the treatment plan for clients experiencing gender dysphoria, particularly when their behaviours pose challenges to the therapeutic process. By addressing both aspects simultaneously, a more comprehensive and tailored approach can be taken to support individuals on their journey towards improved mental health and well-being.
