The Experiences of Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals Seeking Mental Health Treatment: A Qualitative Exploratory Study

Abstract

Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) individuals experience significant mental health disparities, often due to systemic discrimination and limited access to gender-affirming care. This qualitative exploratory study investigated the experiences of TGD individuals seeking mental health treatment, focusing on barriers and facilitators. Eight TGD participants were interviewed using a phenomenological approach within a queer theory framework. The analysis revealed six key themes: help-seeking behaviors, barriers to care, types of care sought, counselor characteristics, identity disclosure, and advocacy burden. The findings highlight the importance of gender-affirming practices and improved access to care for TGD individuals in mental health settings.