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Psychological science has been slow to incorporate intersectionality as a concept and as a framework for conducting research. This limits not only the potential for intersectionality theory, but also limits the potential impact of the research claiming to use it. Mennies and colleagues conducted a study of psychopathology and treatment utilization using a large racially diverse sample of youth and frame their work as intersectional because they compare across three social categories (race, sex, and social class) and consider social issues that may impact the groups studied. We argue that while this represents a preliminary step, it does not represent intersectionality theory and praxis. In this article we review intersectional theory and praxis, examine psychological science and its resistance to fully incorporating intersectionality, and highlight how research must shift to be truly intersectional. Finally, we issue a call to the field to integrate intersectionality theory and praxis and to resist the tendency to dilute and depoliticize intersectionality theory and disconnect from its social justice frame.

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people experience various minority stressors that drive health disparities. In the face of this marginalization, therapy may be helpful to manage these stressors and promote well-being. For some TGD people, they also may need to interact with mental health providers in order to gain access to gender-affirming medical procedures. As such, it is not unusual for mental health providers to have TGD clients at some point in their careers. Even so, there is little graduate training about working with TGD clients, which can result in providers being underprepared to work with TGD communities in affirming ways. Many TGD people report experiencing microaggressions or worse on the part of providers and even those who claim to be affirming may not be taking the steps needed to create a safe clinical context for care. This presents an important training point for graduate programs as well given that many of the professors or clinic staff may not have received the necessary training either. In this manuscript, we detail a summary of existing best practices for affirming mental health services with TGD clients that were informed by existing literature, community input, and clinical practice. These specific actions span from paperwork, to the clinical space, and specifics of interactions with clients. By carrying out these actions, providers will be able to live out their commitment to affirmation of TGD people. We also provide guidance for graduate programs to ensure that future generations of therapists are better trained in these areas.

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