This study examines perceived source credibility of health information in a moment of TGD health disinformation. Through thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 30 transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals, findings suggest health information is marred by anti-TGD legislation, a sociopolitical force that bleeds into health information spaces. Disinformation and TGD health communication are intertwined in complex ways, whereby disinformation can undermine trust in healthcare institutions, lead to harmful behaviors, and contribute to the spread of diseases.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnsuring that mental health professionals are appropriately trained to provide affirming and sensitive care to transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adults is one mechanism that may reduce the marginalization sometimes experienced by TGD adults in mental health contexts. In this study, mental health professionals (n=142) completed an online survey documenting the sources and types of training received to provide TGD-sensitive care; and, shared a self-assessment of their comfort, competence, and ability to provide TGD-sensitive care. Findings revealed that the majority of the mental health professionals in the study (approximately 81%) received specific training to work with TGD clients from a variety of sources.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTransgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals often must undergo a psychosocial assessment and receive a letter of support from a mental health care provider to access gender-affirming medical care (GAMC). This study describes TGD individuals' perceptions of barriers and benefits of the assessment process and uses thematic analysis to explore TGD individuals' opinions on how mental health care should or should not be related to gender-affirming medical care. Two hundred and eighteen TGD participants completed an online survey.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose Of Review: We describe recent research regarding access to affirming mental health services for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) adults and explore new resources available for therapists to inform evidence-based practice with TGD clients.
Recent Findings: Barriers and facilitators at all socioecological levels impact TGD adults' mental health help-seeking. TGD adults often interface with mental health providers while accessing gender-affirming medical care, though new standards of care are likely to alter this typically common path to mental health services.
Am J Speech Lang Pathol
January 2023
Purpose: Cultural responsivity is essential for efficacious and affirming clinical relationships. This may be especially important with historically marginalized clients, such as transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people seeking behaviorally based affirming communication services. We recommend modifications to standard tools for diagnostics and training that otherwise might undermine our efforts to create an inclusive and affirming environment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIndividuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse (TGD) are presenting at mental health clinicians' offices with increasing frequency. Many TGD clients are seeking care related to affirming their gender identity but also may present with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, or other problems for which a clinician may commonly provide services. Some clinicians may hesitate to accept TGD clients into their practice if they have little specialized training to work with this population in an affirming manner, especially in more underserved areas where a generalist practice is the norm.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThere is a growing literature of clinical recommendations for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) affirming behavioral health care, yet it is unknown to what extent these recommendations are rooted in evidence-based practice (EBP). This systematic review included 65 articles published between 2009 and 2018 with recommendations for behavioral health services with TGD adults, emphasizing general clinical care. Coded variables included type of article, participant demographics, aspects of EBP, and whether care was informed by objective assessment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRecommendations for health care providers working with transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals emphasize affirming clients' identities, such as using correct pronouns and name, however it is unknown how often gender specialists adhere to such recommendations. Websites and intake forms of gender specialists were coded for use of affirming language, asking for pronouns and chosen name, and mention of TGD specialties and resources. Most websites identified the provider's specialty to work with TGD individuals, though much fewer provided additional resources concerning TGD issues and only half of intake forms included affirming language.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOne key aspect of evidence-based psychological services is monitoring progress to inform treatment decision making, often using a brief self-report measure. However, no such measure exists to support measurement-based care, given the distinct needs of transgender and gender diverse people (TGD), a group facing large documented health disparities and marginalization in health care. The purpose of the present study was to develop and provide initial psychometric validation of a short, behavioral health progress monitoring self-report measure, the Trans Collaborations Clinical Check-in (TC).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTransgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals face a long-term, multifaceted process if they choose to begin a gender affirmation journey. Decisions to go on hormone therapy and/or have a surgical procedure necessitate the TGD individual to set up an appointment with a health care provider. However, when TGD patients interact with health care practitioners, problems can arise.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: When accessing mental healthcare services, transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals face systemic barriers to gender-affirmative care. Initial points of contact, like intake forms, may show limited consideration for the heterogeneity of TGNC identities and can lead to negative consequences prior to face-to-face interaction with providers.
Aims: The first aim was to mimic a likely pathway a TGNC individual may follow to seek mental healthcare services in the USA and to describe the extent to which they may encounter enacted stigma or affirmative messages that may impede or facilitate access to care.
Transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals interact with mental health care systems at high rates and experience substantial barriers to care. Rural TGNC individuals face additional disparities in accessing appropriate mental health services. Little research has focused on the mental health care providers who work with TGNC individuals in underserved areas.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPsychol Sex Orientat Gend Divers
September 2017
There is increasing recognition of the need for culturally sensitive services for individuals who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming (TGNC), and only recently have empirical studies appeared in the literature that inform best practices for TGNC people. Competent, culturally appropriate clinical services and research depend upon methodologically sound assessment of key constructs, but it is unclear whether appropriate self-report or clinician-rated assessment tools for adults exist. This paper reviewed existing published measures to identify areas of strength as well as existing gaps in the available research.
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