How Online Gender Therapy Can Support The Mental Health Of LGBTQIA+ Adults
LGBTQIA+-identifying Individuals have long faced various types of barriers to receiving quality mental health care. One of these is local availability, as it can still be difficult to find qualified, queer-inclusive providers in one's local area. This can be especially true for specialized services like gender therapy. Here, we'll explore what gender therapy is, and how online gender therapy may reduce some barriers to receiving care for individuals who identify as queer or questioning.
What is gender therapy?
Gender therapists are mental health professionals who have specialized training in providing therapy services with cultural competence as well as respect for and knowledge of gender diversity and related topics.
Many therapists have some training on diversity and treating LGBTQIA+ clients. Still, they may not be able to effectively meet the needs of some individuals the same way that a gender-affirming therapist with specialized education can. Gender therapists typically have specific training and experience in treating LGBTQIA+ individuals and providing support on the topic of gender identity.
Gender therapy can be helpful for transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, or otherwise gender non-conforming (GNC) adults. A gender therapist can help a trans or GNC individual navigate any form(s) of transition they may wish to undertake, if applicable, and provide support for any emotional challenges related to their gender identity or how they’re treated because of it. That said, gender therapy can also be helpful to anyone who is interested in exploring their gender identity or expression, even if they identify as cisgender or questioning.
What gender therapy is not?
It can be important to note that the goal of gender therapy is never to convince someone to identify as a certain gender or to attempt to change the client’s identity. Approaches that involve these elements may be considered conversion “therapy,” which has been identified to be deeply harmful and is illegal in many places. Instead, gender therapy is about providing support and acceptance on a client’s gender journey, wherever it may take them.
Why a person may seek gender therapy
People may seek out gender therapy for a variety of reasons, such as to receive:
- Emotional support through a gender transition
- Treatment for anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions related to gender confusion or lived experiences of discrimination against one’s gender identity
- A non-judgmental environment to discuss and explore gender identity
- Professional letters of support in order to receive gender-affirming medical care
Gender therapists often also teach skills for reducing gender-related stress and increasing self-awareness. These may include traditional talk therapy and other therapeutic interventions. Sessions are typically tailored to the client’s unique needs in order to support their goals.
Who can benefit from gender therapy?
A person may seek out gender therapy for a variety of reasons. To name just a few, you might benefit from gender therapy if you:
- Are questioning your gender identity
- Are considering or are ready to begin the process of getting gender-affirming surgery or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Experience gender dysphoria
- Are experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety related to any aspect of
gender
An experienced gender therapist can help a client navigate gender dysphoria, transition, and/or other gender-related life experiences with evidence-based therapy techniques.
Why a specialized provider is necessary for gender-identity therapy
Gender therapists study topics like gender identity, gender-affirming interventions, LGBTQIA+ rights, gender roles, and gender dysphoria at an advanced level. An experienced gender therapist may be able to provide more effective treatment than a therapist who is not knowledgeable about the health risks and social challenges—such as discrimination, violence, and other trauma—that gender-nonconforming people tend to face in society today.
What is gender dysphoria, and how does it relate to gender identity?
One of the reasons why an LGBTQIA+ adult might seek out mental health services like gender therapy is to help them navigate gender dysphoria. People may sometimes use the term “gender dysphoria” casually to describe their experiences, but it is also an official diagnosis listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). People may experience various symptoms of gender dysphoria with varying severity.
Before 2013, gender dysphoria was called “gender identity disorder.” The term was updated to “gender dysphoria” to combat miseducation and stigma around LGBTQIA+ identities, as gender diversity is now regarded by almost every major institution as a natural part of human diversity.
“Gender dysphoria” is now used to describe the discomfort and distress a person may feel when their assigned gender does not match how they identify themselves. The emphasis is now on how the incongruence with narrow societal expectations can affect well-being, rather than considering any aspect of queerness to inherently negatively affect mental health.
The DSM-5-TR definition of gender dysphoria
The DSM-5-TR defines the criteria for gender dysphoria as an incongruence between gender identity and assigned gender lasting more than six months. Gender therapists have specialized education in treating gender dysphoria—which may involve things like a gentle invitation to explore one’s gender identity, support for transition options if the client is interested in this path, and coping mechanisms for emotional distress.
Other approaches to LGBTQIA+-affirming talk therapy
Gender therapy is just one type of queer-affirming mental health care. In general, LGBTQIA+- affirming care can take the form of any evidence-based therapy approach—but from a queer-informed and knowledgeable lens. Providers who offer LGBTQIA+-affirming therapy may use traditional techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy and others to address symptoms of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and other conditions that may affect a person of any identity.
The difference is that a queer-affirming provider will usually have specialized training. This may include awareness of the history of harm in healthcare provided to LGBTQIA+ people, the types of discrimination queer people often face today and how it can affect mental health, and how to provide an identity-affirming and welcoming space for therapy.
The impact of gender-affirming therapy on LGBTQIA+ adults
Studies indicate that seeing a gender-affirming provider can greatly impact treatment outcomes for transgender and LGBTQIA+ individuals. For example, a 2022 research paper suggests that patient outcomes improve when healthcare providers:
- Are respectful of the patient's gender identity and pronouns
- Use gender-neutral language otherwise
- Are aware of the healthcare risks impacting LGBTQIA+ patients
- Consider the increased risk of depression and anxiety among LGBTQIA+
patients - Are knowledgeable of the challenges that LGBTQIA+ individuals face in society
today
Why it can be important for queer individuals to be able to receive affirming mental health care
LGBTQIA+ adults are at increased risk of mental health challenges due to lived experiences of discrimination. In addition, distrust and fear in healthcare settings is common in queer people due to historical and present discrimination in this arena as well. Combined with intersecting socioeconomic factors that queer people with multiple marginalized identities often face, receiving quality, affirming mental health care can often be difficult for those in the LGBTQIA+ community. Being able to connect with gender-affirming practitioners online is one way to make it easier for LGBTQIA+ individuals to get the quality care they deserve.
Advantages of online gender therapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals
In many cases, an individual seeking gender therapy may have a hard time finding providers in their area. In such situations, online therapy may help fill in the gaps. Here are other potential advantages this format of care may have for those in the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Availability of a larger pool of qualified therapists than what may be available
locally - Receiving support from specialized care providers regardless of location
- No commuting required
- More flexible appointment times
- The option to attend therapy from a comfortable home environment
- Therapeutic care for a lower cost than in-person care without insurance
Online gender therapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals in rural areas
Individuals living in rural areas may experience treatment barriers and face discrimination at even higher levels than people in metropolitan cities. A study from 2020 suggests that online interventions, even short-term, could positively impact the mental health of LGBTQIA+ young adults living in rural areas. The researchers also suggest implementing online interventions on a wide scale across vulnerable populations as a possible solution to addressing the high risk of depression and anxiety among members of the LGBTQIA+ community due to lived experiences of discrimination.
Without the option of online care, finding a competent therapist to explore gender-related topics with can lead some clients to travel long distances for appointments, adding financial and time constraints to the list of existing barriers. According to research, many transgender people have to travel long distances to receive appropriate, informed care. Online therapy may help reduce these barriers for many LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Connecting with a gender therapy or LGBTQIA+-affirming provider online
If you’re interested in receiving LGBTQIA+-friendly, queer-affirming, or gender therapy online, support is available. One option is to sign up with a platform like BetterHelp. This site allows you to share your needs and preferences in a therapy provider through a brief questionnaire when you open an account, and it will match you with a licensed therapist accordingly. You can then meet with your therapist via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging from anywhere you have internet. You can also switch therapists at any time, for any reason, and at no additional cost until you find the right fit.
Is online therapy effective for the mental health of LGBTQIA+ individuals?
There’s a growing body of research to suggest that therapy in general can often be as effective when delivered online as when delivered in person. Studies have also been conducted on the effectiveness of online LGBTQIA+-affirming therapy in particular, and results are similarly promising. For example, a 2021 study shares that queer-affirming therapy delivered virtually helped reduce depression symptoms and improve coping mechanisms in LGBTQIA+-identifying clients.
Takeaway
How much does online gender therapy cost?
Individual online therapy can cost between $20 and $90 or more, depending on the platform.
What type of therapy is best for someone experiencing gender dysphoria?
Gender affirming therapy is the best type of therapy for someone experiencing gender dysphoria. It provides a safe space and supportive environment for transgender individuals to navigate their gender identity issues so they can work toward self-acceptance. A gender therapist online or a licensed therapist can help explore gender transition. They offer emotional support and overall guidance on possible hormone therapy or any other aspect of gender affirming care. Some people can find great comfort and well-being support from different support groups around their areas, such as the transgender community. This place creates a very safe and supportive space to share and talk openly about their situations, experiences, and difficulties.
How do I start seeing a gender therapist?
You can start seeing a gender therapist online or consult for in-person therapy by first beginning to research gender therapy services and using free resources to check and find gender therapy services that will help with your needs. Licensed professionals or a licensed therapist with great experience in dealing with gender affirmation and gender identity issues can definitely provide the support you need. Many transgender individuals also benefit from different support groups within their area or around their transgender community when it comes to finding a supportive space to share their thoughts and talk openly. If you can afford to consult a licensed therapist immediately, you can check for other options, such as free gender therapy online or exploring your insurance coverage for this one.
Does insurance cover therapy for gender dysphoria?
For someone experiencing gender dysphoria, you need to remember that insurance coverage for therapy sessions may vary widely. There are some that accept insurance to cover the expenses for therapy sessions, and some don’t include this in their package. Some plans include gender therapy services with a licensed therapist or licensed professionals. If the insurance coverage is limited, you still have other options, such as free gender therapy that you can search online, or you may use those free resources to easily find gender therapy services near you. Contacting your provider about the coverage of different therapies, such as affirmative therapy, hormone therapy, and even medical transitions, is also important. It is common nowadays for many LGBTQ individuals to get help and support from local support groups or the Trans Lifeline for possible assistance in checking the policies of different insurance companies.
What do they ask you in gender therapy?
An online therapist and most licensed mental health professionals may ask questions about your gender expression, feelings related to self-acceptance, experiences with gender incongruence, and even your relationship dynamics with your partner during gender therapy. They may also explore how mental health concerns and emotional well-being impact your situation now. There is also a part of the session where physical appearance, experiences with different support groups, and trying an inclusive environment can be part of the discussion process. If there is a need, this is the perfect time for them to address and give further explanation about suicidal ideation, panic attacks, or your past experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder. The overall goal of gender therapy is to solely provide support and the chance to find the right therapist that will work well with what you really need.
How long does gender therapy take?
The length of gender therapy depends on the individual therapy goals and varies for each person. It depends on a person's unique challenges and even personal experiences with gender incongruence. Some individuals want to try a few therapy sessions to see visible changes. At the same time, some may engage in therapy with licensed mental health professionals to know the best approach, guidance, and long-term support. Research suggests that the overall development and progress of an individual having gender therapy may be influenced by different factors, such as self-esteem, sexual orientation, relationship issues, and even finding the right therapist that will fit with the person’s goals and needs. It is common to see others seeking additional support through resources like the Trans Lifeline and community organizations.
What gender therapist should I get?
Others may think that it is simple to find a gender therapist when in need. The truth here is that you need to look for someone who can provide support in an inclusive environment and who can truly understand the unique challenges of those gender-nonconforming individuals. If you have problems with self-esteem, mental illness, or relationship issues, then professionals experienced in person therapy or traditional therapy may help you in addressing those concerns. Trans Lifeline is one of those free resources you can reach out to if accessibility is one of your problems.
When to see a gender therapist?
If there is a need, like support with a specialized form of counseling related to gender identity, then you should see a gender therapist. They also play a role when you have plans to legally change or update your official documents. Gender therapists can be helpful when you are going through post-traumatic stress disorder, distress related to your gender identity, and challenges and concerns within family therapy or couples therapy, especially when individuals are still exploring their gender identity. Some seek therapy as part of traditional therapy for their overall well-being and support.
What gender goes to therapy the most?
In couples therapy, it is important that both partners seek support and guidance from a licensed therapist. However, when it comes to receiving mental health treatment and therapy, it shows that women are more likely to consider and attend therapy sessions compared to men.
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