Mental Health Care for the Adult Transgender Patient

Introduction

Transgender identity is not a mental illness; however, mental health assessment and care is an integral part of transgender care. Transgender people may present with gender dysphoria, for help in exploring their gender identity, or for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or substance abuse that may be related to societal prejudice and trauma, which are commonly experienced by trans people. Misunderstanding or failure to recognize an individual’s affirmed gender may worsen their mental health symptoms while acknowledgement of their name and/or gender may help to reduce depression and suicidal thinking.

The role of the mental health provider is to provide a safe and supportive space, incorporating the principles of cultural humility in the provision of care to patients. In addition to providing mental health care, providers have a key role in assessing clients/patients for transition-specific medical and surgical care. This role is described in detail by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) in their standards of care (SOC), currently in its seventh version.