Culturally competent evidence-based behavioral health services for the transgender community: Progress and challenges.

Abstract

The presence of individuals who identify as transgender has emerged into public awareness in the United States in recent years. Celebrities who publicly transition have expanded the national conversation about gender variation beyond gender and women's studies classrooms and certain specialty health and mental health services. This increased public visibility has been accompanied by increased visibility in the mental health literature, including the publishing of competencies or guidelines for working with clients who identify as transgender by various professional organizations. However, rapid societal changes and increased understanding of the experience of being transgender in our society means literature can rapidly become dated. This commentary identifies key points that will move forward professional competency, both of the field and of individual practitioners, in the provision of psychological services. Topics discussed include (1) how mental health has contributed to trans stigma, (2) why more than good intentions are needed, (3) a research agenda for the development of high-quality evidence-based behavioral health care for the trans community, and (4) clinician recommendations. (PsycINFO Database Record

Therapy Experiences of Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents and Their Caregivers

“…These findings add to the growing body of research highlighting the need for more therapists trained in gender-affirming practices (Hope et al, 2016). Participants perceived small modifications (e.g., TGD-specific psychoeducation) to therapy as gender-affirming and satisfactory, suggesting that minor additions to a therapist's practice may signal expertise, comfort, or a gender-affirming stance.…”

“…While much of this research examines experiences with health care services broadly, therapy experiences remain relatively understudied. Research that comprehensively explores TGD adolescents' experiences in therapy is critical, as it has the potential to inform therapist-focused trainings in gender-affirming practices (Lelutiu-Weinberger et al, 2016) and TGD-specific adaptations to evidence-based therapies Hope et al, 2016).…”

First impressions online: The inclusion of transgender and gender nonconforming identities and services in mental healthcare providers' online materials in the USA

“…Given the high rates of utilization of mental health care, calls to provide TGNC-affirmative care (Hope, Mocarski, Bautista, & Holt, 2016), and the known barriers to health care, the current study used content analysis to examine intake forms and websites of mental health care providers identified online by searching for a “gender therapist.” The first aim was to mimic a likely pathway a TGNC individual may follow to seek mental health services and to describe the extent to which they may encounter enacted stigma or affirmative messages that may impede or facilitate access to care. The second aim of the study was to test whether more LGB and TGNC affirmative laws and public policies would be associated with more affirmative providers, as Barron and Hebl (2013) found for employment non-discrimination laws.…”

Applying dialectical behaviour therapy to structural and internalized stigma with LGBTQ+ clients

“…Heck et al ., 2017). For transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) clients (Hope et al ., 2016) as well as sexual minority clients (O'Shaughnessy and Speir, 2018), the need for evidence-based treatment that effectively integrates knowledge of psychosocial stigma has been highlighted in the literature. This is because minority stress connected with stigma can negatively influence mental health for clients with diverse sexual orientations (Meyer, 2003) and gender identities (Hendricks and Testa, 2012).…”