LGBT mental health support in Scotland

Mental health in the LGBT+ community

Recent studies highlight that LGBT+ people are at higher risk of experiencing mental health problems. Despite progress and legal changes in Scotland, for many of us, stigma and discrimination is an everyday reality. This can have a real impact on our mental health so it’s vital to have access to support.

Research also shows us that LGBT+ people face barriers when accessing mainstream mental health services. In fact, many of us have poor experiences of public services including discrimination and lack of understanding of our health needs.

Mental health support designed for LGBT+ people

At LGBT Health and Wellbeing, you can access a variety of confidential and free (donations welcomed) mental health services informed and shaped by the unique experiences of LGBT+ people. We offer a mix of online and in-person events and support.

Individual support

We offer a donation-based counselling service both in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Instead of 11 weekly counselling sessions, you can also access 1-1 support sessions that can be used flexibly. In addition, if you are looking for emotional support, you can reach out to our LGBT Helpline Scotland.

Social and peer support

We offer a social programme of events, workshops, courses and peer support groups aimed at building and supporting the ways that LGBT+ people look after their mental health and wellbeing. You can browse our entire programme of events on our What’s On page and you can keep up to date with all upcoming events by signing up to our newsletter Village Voices or our wellbeing newsletter.

Who can access our mental health support?

We welcome the entire diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, including non-binary, queer, intersex, asexual people and all identities under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella. We also welcome those questioning their sexuality or gender identity, as well as those who do not use labels for either.

Mental health is important to all of us, and you do not need to have a diagnosis of mental ill-health to access any of our services.