Transgender Clients: Identifying and Minimizing Barriers to Mental Health Treatment

Abstract

This study examined mental healthcare use and barriers to mental healthcare utilization in a sample of 130 transgender volunteers. Roughly a third of participants sought treatment for mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and relationship problems. Sixty-eight participants (52% of sample) showed evidence of psychological distress but had not received mental health services in the past year. Results point to potential barriers to seeking mental health services. Specifically, cost of treatment, previous bad experiences with healthcare, fear of treatment, and stigma concerns were the most frequently endorsed barriers related to seeking mental health services. Implications for practitioners are discussed.

Australian mental health professionals’ competencies for working with trans clients: a comparative study

“…As a result, trans people have reported needing to educate mental health professionals about trans issues (del Pozo de Bolger, et al, 2014;McNeil, et al, 2012). Negative experiences such as those outlined above are concerning, given research suggests that previous negative experiences with mental health services, or knowing someone who has had a negative experience, are barriers to accessing services (Shipherd, et al, 2010). This issue of trans people's negative experiences with mental health professionals is significant given the fact that mental healthcare professionals may be the first people with whom some trans people discuss their gender (Hunt, 2014).…”

“…Yet previous research suggests that many trans people have negative experiences with mental health care providers (e.g., del Pozo de Bolger, Jones, Dunstan, & Lykins, 2014;Ellis, Bailey, & MacNeil, 2015; McNeil, Bailey, Ellis, Morton, & Regan, 2012;Riggs, Coleman, & Due, 2014). Specifically, trans people have reported that some professionals may lack experience or skills for working with trans clients (Ellis, et al, 2015;Sperber, Landers, & Lawrence, 2005), and may lack knowledge and sensitivity about trans-specific issues (Ellis, et al, 2015;Hunt, 2014;Jones, del Pozo de Bolger, Dune, Lykins, & Hawkins, 2015;Pitts, Couch, Croy, Mitchell, & Mulcare, 2009;Shipherd, Green, & Abramovitz, 2010). As a result, trans people have reported needing to educate mental health professionals about trans issues (del Pozo de Bolger, et al, 2014;McNeil, et al, 2012).…”

Acceptability and Preliminary Efficacy of a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender-Affirmative Mental Health Practice Training in a Highly Stigmatizing National Context

“…The modules included case studies, such that each theoretical and practical aspect of the training was paired with real-life cases of LGBTcompetent therapy examples (e.g., from our Romanian clinical research). Otherwise, the training content was based on previous research and clinical scholarship regarding LGBT mental health, 27,52,[56][57][58][59][60][61] direct clinical practice experience in the United States, and our provision of similar trainings, workshops, and seminars in the United States.…”

“…This module presented counseling models that affirm and support LGBT individuals to reduce psychological distress arising from stigma and nonaffirmative healthcare. 52,[58][59][60]62,63 Providers were trained in helping LGBT clients find supportive communities and relationships. The module reviewed selfaffirming communication skills, building safe networks to overcome isolation and depression; safe disclosure of sexual orientation (when and to whom, including in healthcare contexts); and navigation of hostile contexts.…”

Masculinity, Mental Health, and Modern Psychotherapy: From the Practitioner’s Mind

“…al, 2010). These findings encourage clinicians to address and examine how gender role adherence impacts a client's experience with their diagnosis (Rosenfield, & Mouzon, 2013;Doherty & Kartalova O'Doherty, 2010;Shipherd et. al, 2010).…”