Mental & Behavioral Health Services for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals

Gender dysphoria refers to the distress or discomfort that some feel when their experienced or expressed gender doesn’t match their assigned gender. Those who experience gender dysphoria may consistently feel a strong desire to be of the other gender or some alternative gender different from their assigned gender. They also might feel uncomfortable with certain parts of their body. Gender dysphoria can cause clinically significant distress and even impairment in social, school or other important areas of functioning.

Mental health providers who are trained and focused on helping those struggling with gender dysphoria and other gender-related issues can offer a safe space to explore gender identity while providing support to help navigate concerns or difficulties that may arise along the way. Mental health providers can also connect patients to other specialized medical providers to explore options for medical transitioning (hormone therapy and/or surgery) if they are interested and ready.

Each person’s transitional journey is different. Additionally, people can seek care at different points during their transitional journey. Establishing a relationship with a provider is an important part of the process. This allows patients to address any barriers they may have to living in a gender role that matches their gender identity and helping them feel ready to successfully transition.