I have been conducting a qualitative research study survey as part of my writing intensive course surrounding navigating the healthcare system for mental health services as trans individuals.
My intention with the study was to assess the varying experiences folks have had from: accessibility, individual experiences with healthcare professionals, and also identifying the need for trans-centered care, as well as trans-competent education/training for healthcare professionals. The following are some questions I had prepared, along with things a mix of anonymous participants shared. I think many of us will find them deeply relatable.
Q: As a trans individual, have you experienced discrepancies, inequality, or differences in accessibility to mental health resources and support compared to your cis identifying peers?
Anonymous: I would say yes as my cis (white) peers don’t have to do so much work explaining their identity to therapists or spend as much time/energy finding a therapist that already understands trans identities. Also, some therapists might be trans centered but not specialize in other areas you need. It feels like in some way you have to compromise.
Q: Have you been able to seek mental health support when you have needed it? (whether it be for regular therapy, or in a crisis situation)
Anonymous: I was not able to find the quality of therapy I needed for years, and never had a trans-informed therapist until awhile after I moved to a new area entirely. When in crisis, I was completely unable to seek help for various reasons, including fear of poor treatment due to being very obviously GNC.
Q: Have you felt ostracized, discriminated against, or judged by a mental health professional (counselors, psychologists, social workers, etc) when receiving services?
Anonymous: A single professional has not made me feel this way in recent memory, but my current psychiatrist/therapist was not familiar with neutral pronouns or the spectrum of gender identity. He was open and understanding, and willing to learn which I appreciated. However, when searching for mental health processionals the only real guides appear to be “LGBT Issues”, which can mean everything from friendly/accepting of LGBT patients, and not that they specialize or know how to help me with my needs. The system ostracizes in my experience more than my current mental health professional does.
Q: Would a trans centered community-oriented mental health clinic be something you would utilize if it was an option for you?
Anonymous: 100% yes absolutely please THIS. Anything similar that is local is usually so busy and overworked and understaffed that it is difficult to find an appointment AND there are folks out there that require these services more urgently than I do.
Unruly Bodies 
I know the medical field is getting better at this, but there is still so much work to be done. I, as a (cis) gender studies minor, feel like I know more about the trans and intersex community than my sister in medical school. Of course, they talk about those identities in their courses, but it all feels very clinical. When she asks me questions, she wants to know more about what is polite and the current vocabulary that’s used within these communities. I refer her to articles I’ve read for class. I think her questions are important and relevant and it’s disappointing that that is not what’s talked about in her courses.
Hi, trans nonbinary GWST/CSST minor here saying, yes oh my god I do very much find these response relatable. I find I would answer very similarly if not the same to most of the questions. The second to last question in particular, I was very scared while seeking therapists as I’m very open about my gender and very GNC so there was always a fear of non-acceptance from a threapist or no help because they may only be LGBTQ+ friendly but not specialists. AND I have only recently discovered a counseling and therapists office run by and specializing in helping trans patients among other LGBTQ+ things and not just there. But I’ve been waiting for a long time to hear back from them about an opening (i’ve been on the waitlist since for about a month). They just got back to me last week but they don’t take insurance and I have to figure out how to ask my insurance to reimburse me. So it’s difficult and I have to do it on my own and with my anxiety, it’s holding me back hahaha. Anyway, thank you for posting this, it was nice to read about what other trans folk think about this stuff.