Transgender Clients: Identifying and Minimizing Barriers to Mental Health Treatment

This study examined mental healthcare use and barriers to mental healthcare utilization in a sample of 130 transgender volunteers. Roughly a third of participants sought treatment for mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and relationship problems. Sixty-eight participants (52% of sample) showed evidence of psychological distress but had not received mental health services in the past year. Results point to potential barriers to seeking mental health services. Specifically, cost of treatment, previous bad experiences with healthcare, fear of treatment, and stigma concerns were the most frequently endorsed barriers related to seeking mental health services. Implications for practitioners are discussed.