What Does Inclusive Mental Health Care For Transgender People Look Like?

Updated on June 3, 2022

This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.

Mental health care is a critical issue for transgender people. They often face unique mental health challenges, which can be exacerbated by transphobia and discrimination.

However, mental health care is not always inclusive or accessible to transgender people. Inclusive mental health care means that transgender people feel safe and supported in seeking the help they need. But what does this form of mental health care look like? Below are some essential qualities that are required for inclusive mental health care for transgender people.

Talking With Therapists Who Understand Them

Transgender people need to be able to talk with therapists who understand and accept their identity. They should feel safe discussing their mental health concerns with a therapist who is knowledgeable about the transgender experience. This type of inclusive care can help transgender people feel supported and understood.

However, mental health clinics are not always as diverse as their clientele. It can be difficult for transgender people to find a therapist who is knowledgeable about their specific needs. When inclusive mental health care is not available, transgender people may not seek out help. Therefore, inclusive mental healthcare not only serves people of diverse genders and identities but also has an equally diverse staff of therapists. This is a crucial and necessary quality that will encourage more transgender people to seek help and support.

Coping With Transphobia

Transphobia is a reality for many transgender people. They often face discrimination and violence both in their personal lives and in the world at large. Therefore, transgender people not only need a therapist that understands them but can help them cope with transphobia as well.

This is a critical issue as transphobia can take a toll on mental health. It can cause anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, this does not mean that transgender people should be taught to just “get over” transphobia or ignore it. Instead, therapists should provide tools and resources for transgender people to cope with transphobia, including building resilience, self-love and creating boundaries with toxic, transphobic people.

Support During The “Coming Out” Process

The “coming out” process can be a difficult and emotional time for transgender people. They may face rejection from family and friends, as well as discrimination at work or school. This can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety and lead to depression or other serious mental health concerns. 

Therefore, inclusive mental health care for transgender people must include support during the “coming out” process. Therapists should provide resources and guidance for coming out, as well as support for coping with the aftermath. This type of inclusive care can help transgender people feel less alone and more supported during this difficult time.

Mental Health Concerns Related To Their Identity

According to a study published by Yale’s School Of Public Health, transgender people are six times more likely to have a mood disorder, three times as likely to be prescribed psychiatric medication, and more than six times as likely to attempt suicide.** These statistics make it clear that transgender people face unique mental health challenges that must be addressed.

**If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255 and is available 24/7.

Inclusive mental health care for transgender people means taking into account the specific mental health concerns they face. This includes providing resources and support for coping with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns related to their identity.

Help With Self-Love And Positive Body Image

As mentioned earlier, inclusive mental health care for transgender people must also include help with self-love and positive body image. Transgender people often face body dysmorphia and poor self-esteem. This can be a result of the discrimination and violence they face, as well as the unrealistic standards of beauty set by society.

Therapists can help transgender people love and accept themselves by providing resources and support for coping with these issues. This includes helping them to develop a positive body image and healthy self-esteem as well as coping with body dysmorphia. 

Final Thoughts

Inclusive mental health care for transgender people is essential for their well-being. It must include talking with therapists who understand them, coping with transphobia, having support while coming out, and finding support and treatment for their mental health concerns and issues with self-esteem and self-love. As you can see, inclusive mental health care is critical as it can lead to a greater quality of life for millions of transgender people.

If you wish to learn more about inclusive mental healthcare, then check out the resources at the link below:

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/inclusive-mental-health/

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.