Dr Behi Bastami (she/they)

I am a transfeminine person (she/they), fluent in both Persian and English, with lived experience of gender diversity and incongruence. My journey began in a sociopolitical background that was less accepting of LGBTIQ+ identities, which has made me resilient and deeply attuned to the challenges faced by the queer community. Through my personal and professional experiences, I strive to offer understanding, affirmation, and advocacy for those navigating similar paths.

My clinical approach is holistic and rooted in the biopsychosocial model, which means I consider each patient’s unique biological, psychological, social, and cultural background. This allows me to tailor treatment plans that are both evidence-based and personally meaningful, supporting each individual’s well-being in a way that honors their whole self.

I place particular emphasis on how trauma shapes us as individuals and can create challenges later in life. My work acknowledges that trauma is often multifaceted, with deep impacts on a person’s sense of identity, relationships, and capacity to thrive. I am dedicated to helping patients explore and process these experiences at their own pace, drawing on trauma-informed approaches to foster healing, resilience, and growth.

With over 14 years of experience in mental health in Australia, I have worked across diverse settings, multidisciplinary teams, and locations. Since completing medical school in 2006 and successfully passing the Australian Medical Council exams, I have pursued psychiatric training in Australia, achieving Fellowship of the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in 2026. I am also a proud member of AusPATH, committed to advancing trans and gender diverse mental health care.

My expertise includes general psychiatric conditions, neurodevelopmental conditions (Autism, ADHD), gender diversity and LGBTIQ+ mental health issues, and psychotherapy. I am particularly passionate about working with adults. I have extensive experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges, trauma, and minority stress. I believe in the importance of informed consent and patient autonomy, especially in accessing gender-affirming care. 

My goal is to empower people to understand their options, values, and goals, and to offer compassionate, evidence-based support. I am committed to fostering a safe and inclusive space, drawing on both my lived experience and clinical expertise to support the diverse needs of my patients.