LGBTQIA+ individuals in Brighton will now have access to specialist psychotherapy through the city’s new Queer Therapy Hub, designed to bridge the gap between traditional mental health services and queer-specific support.
Launched by University of Brighton lecturer and researcher Charlotte Wilcox, the hub offers a safe, inclusive space for therapy, connecting clients with therapists who understand their unique lived experiences. The initiative addresses the common barriers faced by queer people in accessing affirming mental health care, particularly issues such as minority stress, gender dysphoria, and trauma from discrimination.
The Queer Therapy Hub brings together qualified LGBTQIA+ counsellors and psychotherapists, including recent graduates from the University of Brighton, to provide therapy rooted in queer identities and challenges. In addition to one-on-one therapy, the hub promotes a community-driven approach, partnering with local LGBTQIA+ organisations and advocacy groups to improve access to mental health resources.
Peer support, training, and social events are part of its effort to build a strong network of professionals and reduce the isolation many therapists working outside the NHS often face.
Charlotte Wilcox said: “When I first trained as a psychotherapist, people would approach me looking for a queer therapist. I realised there was a larger need to tailor therapeutic relationships to the specific needs of queer individuals. This project ensures LGBTQIA+ people have access to therapists who understand their experiences and foster a sense of safety and belonging.”
The Queer Therapy Hub, launched ahead of University Mental Health Day, also provides opportunities for emerging therapists, helping them build sustainable careers in an often-overlooked area of psychotherapy, while strengthening Brighton’s overall mental health support network.
Persephone Pearl, a recent University of Brighton Psychotherapy graduate, said: “My time at the University of Brighton gave me a strong foundation in understanding the complexities of mental health, but stepping into practice as a queer therapist has shown me just how vital it is to have dedicated spaces like this.
“The Queer Therapy Hub is more than just a workplace—it’s a supportive community where we can grow as professionals while providing affirming care to those who need it most. Being part of a team that truly understands the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people makes a huge difference, both for us as therapists and for the clients we work with.”
The Queer Therapy Hub can be accessed in-person at their multi-room clinic facility at the Brighthelm Centre, North Laine, or online.
