Transgender and gender-variant people have a variety of concerns for which they may seek the assistance of psychologists. In addition to the usual problems that may bring any individual to therapy, transgender and gender-variant people often seek professional help in understanding their gender identities and patterns of gender expression and in addressing the complex social and relational issues that are affected by these.
Transgender persons not uncommonly seek medical services to make their bodies more congruent with their gender identities; involvement of mental health professionals is often necessary or desirable in arranging such services. Moreover, many transgender and gender-variant people experience stigmatization and discrimination as a result of living in a gendered culture into which they often do not easily fit. They may not only experience an inner sense of not belonging but also discrimination, harassment, sometimes lethal violence and denial of basic human rights. These issues, too, often bring transgender people into contact with mental health professionals.
Report by the Task Force on Gender Identity and Gender Variance
The six-member task force spent more than two years reviewing the scientific literature, as well as APA policies regarding transgender issues. It was also charged with developing recommendations for education, professional training and further research into transgenderism, and proposing how APA can best meet the needs of psychologists and students who identify as transgender or gender-variant.
Support legal and social recognition of transgender individuals consistent with their gender identity and expression
Support the provision of adequate and medically necessary treatment for transgender and gender-variant people
Recognize the benefit and necessity of gender transition treatments for appropriately evaluated individuals
Call on public and private insurers to cover these treatments
Training
Affirmative Counseling With Transgender and Gender Diverse Clients
In this APA psychotherapy training video, lore m. dickey, PhD, and Anneliese A. Singh, PhD, explore the different dimensions of providing affirmative counseling when working with transgender, nonbinary and gender diverse clients.
January 2018
"Applying the APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People in Everyday Practice"
The March 29, 2018, webinar presented by Sand Chang, PhD, describes the rationale for the guidelines, lists applications of the guidelines and discusses how to utilize related clinical skills.
Transgender Today , April 2013
Throughout history, transgender people have been misunderstood and seldom studied. That's beginning to change.
Policies and Practices
Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People (PDF, 616KB)
Aug. 5, 2015: Developed by a joint task force of the Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity and the Society for the Psychological Study of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People, these guidelines will help professionals better understand the lifespan development, stigma, discrimination and barriers to care faced by transgender and gender nonconforming people.
Affirmative Counseling and Psychological Practice With Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Clients
Edited by Anneliese A. Singh, PhD, and lore m. dickey, PhD
Less than 30 percent of psychologists report familiarity with transgender and gender nonconforming clients' needs. The clients, in turn, report a lack of support in their gender journeys. There is clearly a large gap in knowledge, skill, and competence in this area of practice. This clinical guide aims to fill that gap by providing mental health practitioners with an affirmative approach that emphasizes a collaborative partnership guided by client-driven goals.
Winner, Div. 44's 2017 Distinguished Book Award
Providing Competent and Affirming Services for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Older Adults
The APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People (TGNC) documents the unique needs of TGNC individuals and outlines approaches for competent and affirming service provision. In this open source article, the authors interpret these Guidelines using a gerontological lens to elucidate specific issues faced by the TGNC older adult along with the practice and policy implications for this population.
Clinical Gerontologist, June 21, 2016
Ending Conversion Therapy: Supporting and Affirming LGBTQ Youth
This report presents therapeutic practices related to youth, and sexual orientation and gender identity. These practices are based on research, clinical expertise, and expert consensus. The report makes the case for eliminating the use of conversion therapy among youth.
October 2015
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
September 2012
Ensuring Comprehensive Care and Support for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Adolescents
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), October 2018
In this policy statement, AAP reviews relevant concepts and challenges and provide suggestions for pediatric providers focused on promoting health and positive development of youth that identify as transgender and gender diverse while eliminating discrimination and stigma.
Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration DIRECTIVE 2011-024
Providing Health Care for Transgender and Intersex Veterans (PDF, 29KB)
June 9, 2011
This Veterans Health Administration Directive establishes policy regarding the respectful delivery of health care to transgender and intersex Veterans who are enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system or are otherwise eligible for VA care.
Other Resources
Publications
2015 U.S. Transgender Survey Report
National Center for Transgender Equality
The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey (USTS) is the largest survey examining the experiences of transgender people in the United States, with 27,715 respondents from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and U.S. military bases overseas. The report of the 2015 USTS provides a detailed look at the experiences of transgender people across a wide range of categories, such as education, employment, family life, health, housing, and interactions with the criminal justice system.
Best Practices for Asking Questions to Identify Transgender and Other Gender Minority Respondents on Population-Based Surveys
Most federally-supported population-based surveys do not include measures to identify transgender and other gender minority respondents. This report assesses current practices in sex and gender-related population research and offers strategies for establishing consistent, scientifically rigorous procedures for gathering information relevant to the needs and experiences of transgender people and other gender minorities.
By Gender Identity in U.S. Surveillance Group, September 2014
Transgender Day of Remembrance and Week of Awareness
Transgender Day of Remembrance is on Nov. 20, and Transgender Awareness Week takes place during that week. It is a time for honoring the memory of those whose lives were lost in anti-transgender violence and for transgender people and their allies to take action by educating the public and advancing advocacy to bring attention to this community and the unique challenges they face.
Last updated: September 2022Date created: November 2012
