Exploring the relationship between transgender-inclusive providers and mental health outcomes among transgender/gender variant people

Soc Work Health Care. 2016 Sep;55(8):635-50. doi: 10.1080/00981389.2016.1193099. Epub 2016 Jun 28.

Abstract

Using a statewide survey of transgender and gender variant individuals (N = 417), this study examines the association between having a transgender-inclusive provider and three mental health concerns: current experience of depression, lifetime experience of anxiety disorder, and suicidality within the last year. Findings suggest that having a transgender-inclusive provider is associated with decreased rates of depression and suicidality, but not with lifetime experience of having anxiety. Implications for future research and education of providers are discussed.

Keywords: Anxiety; cultural competence; depression; mental health; suicidal thoughts; transgender.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Cultural Competency / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Personnel / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Mental Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Middle Aged
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Transgender Persons / psychology*