What is gender-affirming therapy?

Gender-affirming therapy is designed to celebrate and support folks whose gender identity differs from the one they were assigned at birth. It is not designed to “fix” a person’s gender. It creates a safe space for people who are transgender, non-binary, fluid, or questioning their gender identity to receive support as they navigate their journey.  Similar to gender-affirming healthcare (which focuses more on the medical aspects of gender expression and transition), gender-affirming therapy is designed to improve the health and well-being of people with diverse gender identities and expressions.

What is gender identity?

In the past, most people understood gender as a binary concept defining only two genders – male and female.  But we now know that gender is a spectrum and people can express their gender identity in many different ways. People can identify as men, women, non-binary, none of these, a combination of these, fluid, and more. Each person gets to decide the term that best represents their identity and these terms can evolve over time.  By some measures, our society has begun to broaden our understanding of gender in recent decades. But many transgender and gender-nonconforming people continue to face challenges in their daily lives due to the stigma that persists around gender diversity.  Research shows that transgender people are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression and transgender youth are especially vulnerable to suicidality.  Being transgender doesn’t make a person inherently more likely to develop a mental illness or engage in self-harm. Rather, these risks are increased among trans folks due to the bullying, mistreatment, and ostracization that they often face.  

What is gender-affirming therapy?

Gender-affirming therapy is a specific form of mental healthcare that seeks to honor a person’s gender. According to the American Psychiatric Association, gender-affirming therapy addresses the following issues alongside a person’s gender exploration.

• Trauma: Gender-affirming therapy must take into account the trauma caused by transphobia.
• Shame: Many trans and gender-nonconforming people grow up feeling ashamed of who they are due to being perceived as “different.”
• Depression: A lack of societal support, coupled with the trauma of transphobia, often results in increased rates of depression for trans people.
• Self-harm: Estimates show that approximately 50% of trans people will attempt suicide in their lifetimes.
• Violence: Many trans people will be victims of hate crimes and violence perpetrated by transphobic individuals.
• Medical treatment: People considering gender-affirming surgeries are typically required to work with a therapist before receiving the procedure.
• Societal stigma: Gender-affirming therapy helps people navigate their gender journey in a transphobic world. 

As you begin your search for a qualified provider, be sure to pay attention to their credentials. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like “How much of your current caseload is made up of transgender folks?” or “What type of training do you have in working with trans folks?”  A qualified provider will welcome these sorts of questions and will be happy to talk to you about their skills and experience in supporting LGBTQ+ folks.  If you feel uncomfortable with a therapist for any reason, know that you can always work with someone else who might be a better fit.

Who can benefit from gender-affirming therapy?

Gender-affirming therapy is commonly recommended for people as they transition. While more research is needed to document the benefits of gender-affirming therapy, you can access this form of support at any stage of your gender journey (whether you’re just beginning to question your gender or if you’ve been fully transitioned for some time).  Gender-affirming therapy can also be a great resource for allies, supportive friends, and family. It can help you identify your biases in a safe space and learn how best to support the trans and gender-nonconforming folks in your life. 

How therapy can support you on your gender journey 

Therapy can provide a host of mental health benefits to transgender and gender-nonconforming folks, including:

• Improved self-esteem
• Improved body image
• Reduced anxiety and depression
• Enhanced coping mechanisms for dealing with transphobia and other social challenges
• Reduced gender dysphoria (a feeling of unease that occurs when someone feels a disconnect between their gender identity and the gender they were assigned at birth)
• Strengthened relationships with supportive loved ones
• Support before and during transitioning
• Reduced risk of self-harm and suicide

What if there aren’t any gender-affirming therapists in my area?

Despite growing awareness of the need for gender-affirming therapy, it can still be difficult to find a qualified gender-affirming therapist, especially in rural areas. Issues with affordability often exacerbate the provider shortage and many communities lack safe, confidential spaces to conduct gender-affirming care.  If you or someone you care about is having trouble finding a qualified gender-affirming therapist in your community, know that you’re not alone and that other options are available.  With online therapy, you can meet with a qualified, inclusive therapist online from the comfort of your home (or wherever you’re most comfortable).   

Find a gender-affirming therapist with Rula 

At Rula, we believe that everyone should feel safe, seen, and supported on their mental health journey, and we’re proud to partner with therapists across the U.S. who specialize in gender-affirming therapy.  As allies and advocates, we’re committed to making it easier for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community to access the inclusive care they deserve. When you’re ready, we invite you to explore our confidential therapist-matching program.  In just a few clicks, you can find a gender-affirming therapist who takes your insurance and who you can meet with online as soon as this week. Find a therapist with Rula

Gender-affirming therapists near you

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