Profession Certified sex therapist
Network: Victorian Sexual and Mental Health Network
Location: Melbourne
Thoughtful, inclusive, and motivated in equal measure, Maxi Xie is an experienced counsellor who leads the Victorian Sexual and Mental Health Network. A participant of multiple past meetings across different networks, he is also deeply embedded in MHPN’s mission of effective multidisciplinary and collaborative care.
The Victorian Sexual and Mental Health Network itself is a living embodiment of our core purpose and values, with members connecting four times a year to share experiences, talk about what’s working, and reflect on professional challenges. Additionally, these meetings provide access to guest speakers and field-specific case studies.
For Maxi, the Coordinator role was initially unintended but has since proven to be both fulfilling and inspiring.
“I eventually decided to step in after a recommendation from the outgoing Coordinator,” he says.
“When I first got involved with MHPN, I never imagined that I would one day hold this position, but it’s been very rewarding and there’s a strong sense that this work truly matters.”
“It’s also a way to give back to a space that has long supported my own learning and professional growth.”
The Victorian Sexual and Mental Health Network’s most recent meeting, which took place in December 2025, was led by sexologist, Toya Ricci, and invited attendees to examine their personal attitudes towards sexual pleasure. They were also encouraged to openly discuss the impact these attitudes have on their provision of mental health care. Another previous meeting was moderated by psychotherapist, Bridie Allan, and considered ways practitioners can better navigate the sexual issues that arise for patients in high-pressure, brief-intervention settings like crisis lines.
