Feel safe, seen, & understood with culturally informed, compassionate therapy
Compassionate, evidence-based therapy and assessments for anxiety, trauma, ADHD, Autism, identity, relationships, and emotional wellbeing—delivered with culturally responsive care in Melbourne, Sydney, and online.
Are you experiencing...
Feeling unseen or misunderstood in your cultural identity?
When your cultural background isn’t reflected or respected in the spaces around you, it can feel like you’re constantly code-switching or shrinking parts of yourself. Therapy can be a space where all of you is welcome—and understood without needing to explain.
Burnout from navigating multiple worlds or meeting others’ expectations?
Balancing family expectations, cultural values, and Western systems can be exhausting. Whether it’s work, study, or just keeping up appearances, we support you in exploring your boundaries, values, and ways to find relief.
Questions about who you are and where you belong?
If you’re feeling caught between cultures, struggling with identity, or carrying the weight of intergenerational pressure, therapy can help you unpack these complexities and reconnect with who you truly are.
Difficulties in relationships or recurring conflict?
Whether it’s romantic, family, or social, relationships can feel heavy when communication breaks down or patterns keep repeating. Therapy can help you understand relational dynamics, strengthen boundaries, and foster more authentic connection.
The effects of trauma or difficult early experiences?
Growing up in high-pressure, emotionally unavailable, or critical environments—especially where mental health wasn’t talked about—can leave lasting wounds. We offer trauma-informed care that moves at your pace.
Navigating change or entering a new chapter?
Career shifts, breakups, moving cities, or entering adulthood can stir up confusion or grief. Therapy can help you process these changes, reconnect with your values, and find your footing
A late ADHD diagnosis—or wondering if you might be neurodivergent?
If you’ve spent years feeling scattered, “too much,” or constantly behind, you’re not alone. We offer support that affirms your neurotype and helps you navigate both internal challenges and cultural stigma around mental health.
Struggling with intense emotions or fear of rejection?
If you find yourself feeling emotionally overwhelmed, sensitive to criticism, or constantly second-guessing yourself, you’re not alone. Therapy can support you in building emotional regulation skills and confidence in how you relate to others.
Feeling like you have to mask, perform, or translate parts of yourself?
Whether due to neurodivergence, culture, queerness, or all of the above—it’s exhausting to constantly manage how you show up in the world. We help you explore who you are when you don’t have to edit yourself.
Begin your healing journey today
Whether you’re navigating trauma, identity, family or romantic relationships, ADHD or Autism, therapy can help you make sense of what you’re carrying. We’re currently accepting new clients online and in Melbourne.
A little bit about us
Born from lived experience and driven by community need, Umeed exists to make therapy feel more human, more inclusive, and more hopeful.
We’re a social enterprise and private practice based in Melbourne, offering culturally affirming, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming support to clients across Australia.
Whether it’s one-on-one therapy, assessments, group programs, or community events, everything we do is grounded in care, compassion, and cultural responsiveness.
“Umeed” means hope—and we believe a little hope goes a long way.
Our services
Therapy
We offer talk therapy in a supportive, culturally safe space—helping you gently explore identity, navigate life’s challenges, & build effective coping tools for emotional wellbeing.
Neuroaffirming, LGBTQIA+ friendly, and culturally responsive.
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Psychological Assessments
We provide neurodiversity-affirming assessments for ADHD, autism, specific learning difficulties (i.e. Dyslexia), and mental health concerns—delivered with cultural understanding and care.
Gain clarity, reduce stigma, and access the support you deserve.
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Community Events
We host community engagement programs and events for individuals from multicultural backgrounds—creating space for connection, celebration, and culturally affirming conversations.
Monthly meetups that centre connection, culture, and community—everyone is welcome.
Book nowSAWBA 2025 Health Category Winner
We’re beyond honoured to be named the winner of the 2025 South Asian Women in Business Awards: Health Business of The Year!
Huge gratitude to SAFA – the South Asian Foundation Australia and Brown Boss Babes for creating spaces that celebrate, amplify, and empower South Asian excellence. This one’s for community, culture, and changemakers.
Therapy options for every story
Individual therapy
One-on-one sessions tailored to support anxiety, stress, low mood, personal growth, and more—guided by evidence-based approaches and your unique needs.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
A structured approach to shifting unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours. Often helpful for anxiety, depression, and phobias.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Helps you make space for difficult thoughts and feelings while staying grounded in what truly matters to you.
Somatic therapy
Focuses on the mind-body connection to help you process emotions stored physically—supporting healing from trauma, stress, and overwhelm in a grounded, embodied way.
Group therapy
Supportive, therapist-led spaces where people with shared experiences can connect, share, and learn from one another.
Couples counselling
Helping couples navigate communication issues, intimacy concerns, and relationship dynamics in a respectful, non-judgemental space.
Telehealth sessions
Flexible online appointments available Australia-wide—ideal if you’re based remotely or prefer to access support from home.
Psychological assessments
Neuro-affirming, culturally informed assessments for specific learning difficulties, autism, learning differences, academic concerns, and mental health challenges.
Workshops & seminars
We run engaging workshops for both communities and organisations—covering topics like mental health literacy, work–life balance, setting boundaries, understanding ADHD, cultural competence, neurodiversity in the workplace, and reducing stress. Available by request.
Therapy isn’t about fixing people. It’s about creating a space where they can feel seen, safe, and empowered to live in ways that feel true to who they are.
You don’t have to go through this alone
Life can throw all kinds of twists and turns your way—and we get that it’s not always a walk in the park. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or just need someone to talk to, our doors (and hearts) are open. We’re here when you’re ready.
Our Therapists
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Our team is here to walk alongside you, offering compassionate support tailored to who you are and what matters most to you.
Anushka Phal
Anushka is the founder of Umeed Psychology and a warm, culturally affirming psychologist with deep experience in trauma, identity, burnout, and neurodivergence.
She blends evidence-based practice with curiosity, creativity, and compassion—working collaboratively with clients to honour their lived experience and support meaningful change.
Her approach is trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and strengths-based, with a strong focus on connection, storytelling, and empowerment.
Sayaka Sayeed
Sayaka is a warm, culturally responsive counsellor who supports neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, and culturally diverse clients through identity exploration, anxiety, ADHD/ASD, and trauma.
She blends evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, and Somatic Therapy with deep respect for each person’s lived experience—offering a space where you don’t have to explain who you are to feel understood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? Totally normal. Whether you’re new to therapy or just haven’t found the right fit yet, we’re here to make things feel a little less daunting.
Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common things people ask us. And if your question isn’t there? Just reach out—we’re always up for a chat.
What can I expect in my first session?
We know it can feel a bit nerve-wracking, especially if you’ve never done therapy before—or if past experiences left you feeling unseen.
In your first session, we’ll simply have a conversation. You can share as much or as little as you feel ready to.
It’s a chance to get to know each other, talk about what’s been on your mind, and see if it feels like a good fit.
I’m not sure I can afford therapy—is it worth it?
We get it—money matters. We offer sliding scale options depending on your circumstances, and we’re happy to talk about what’s possible.
Therapy is an investment in your wellbeing, and we’re here to help you find a way that feels manageable and sustainable.
Is what I share in therapy confidential?
Yes—completely. Everything you share in therapy is private and treated with the utmost respect. There are only a few rare legal exceptions (like serious risk of harm), and we’ll always explain those clearly from the start. This is your space, and we’re here to protect it.
I’m really busy—how would I even find the time?
Totally fair. Life gets full. That’s why we offer flexible appointments, including after-hours and Telehealth sessions. No commuting, no rushing across town—just support that fits into your week.
Do I need a formal diagnosis to start therapy?
Not at all. You don’t need a label to deserve support. If something feels off, heavy, or just hard to put into words—that’s more than enough reason to reach out.
I’m nervous about what people will think if I go to therapy.
You’re not alone. Stigma still exists—but it’s shifting. More and more people are speaking openly about mental health, and seeking therapy is a strong, self-aware step. Everything you share with us is private, and you’re always in control of your story.
I’m uncomfortable sharing personal stuff with someone I don’t know.
That makes total sense. It can feel strange at first—but you don’t have to dive in all at once. We go at your pace, and you get to choose what to share and when. Over time, most people find that once they feel safe, opening up starts to feel easier.
What kinds of issues do you help with?
We support people through a wide range of experiences—things like burnout, identity stress, ADHD, trauma, relationship struggles, and those “I’m not sure what’s wrong, but something feels off” moments. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or just a little lost, you’re not alone—and you’re welcome here.
Do you offer Telehealth services?
Yes, we do! We offer Telehealth appointments across Australia. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule, prefer chatting from the comfort of home, or live regionally, we’ve got you. All you need is a quiet space and a stable internet connection.
Is this a safe space for LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent people?
Yes—wholeheartedly, yes. We’re a proudly neuroaffirming, LGBTQIA+ inclusive practice. You never have to edit or shrink parts of yourself here. Come as you are.
What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help?
That’s more common than you might think—and it doesn’t mean therapy isn’t for you. Sometimes it just takes the right fit or a different approach. We’ll take the time to understand your past experience and work together to create something that feels safer, more supportive, and more tailored to what you need right now.
Do you offer ADHD or Autism assessments?
We do. Our assessments are neuroaffirming and culturally sensitive—we take into account your lived experience, not just checklists. Whether you’re seeking clarity, validation, or access to the right support, we’re here to help.
Our partners & affiliations
Make a booking enquiry
Whenever you’re ready, we’re here to listen. Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch soon—with care and no pressure.
Whether you’d like to make a booking, ask about our services, or just explore your options, we’re here to help.
Phone
We’re happy to talk through your needs or help you book an appointment. Feel free to call or message us.
