How Online Gender Therapy Can Help LGBTQIA+ Adults’ Mental Health
Therapy can be a valuable tool for those looking to improve their mental health or find help for other concerns. Those belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community have long faced barriers to receiving the mental health care they need. However, with online gender therapy, LGBTQIA+ adults are no longer required to travel far distances to find a gender-affirming therapist.
Online gender therapy may also be a more accessible option for people who are uncomfortable seeking gender therapy due to the fear of stigma and discrimination. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of online gender therapy and how online therapy platforms can help to address the disparities in care for LGBTQIA+ adults.
How online therapy offers available mental health care
LGBTQIA+ adults can experience unique barriers to accessing mental health care. People who fear discrimination or prejudice because of their gender identity or sexual orientation may be reluctant to seek mental health care services like therapy. Having access to gender-affirming practitioners online through therapy platforms like BetterHelp can enable people to get the care they deserve.
Many therapists have some training on diversity and treating LGBTQ+ patients. Still, they may not be able to effectively meet the needs of some patients the same way that a gender-affirming therapist with specialized education can. Gender therapists have specific training and experience in treating LGBTQIA+ adults and people with gender dysphoria.
Further issues for LGBTQIA+ adults and the role of online therapy
Individuals living in rural areas may experience treatment barriers and face discrimination at higher levels than people in metropolitan cities. A study from 2020 found that online interventions, even short-term, could positively impact the mental health of LGBTQIA+ young adults living in rural areas. The researchers also suggested 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.
Online gender therapy
Here are a few of the ways that online gender therapy can make therapy for LGBTQIA+ adults more available:
- Choose from a larger selection of therapists
- Reach specialized care providers regardless of location
- No more time and money spent on travel
- Avoid possible social stigma from being seen attending gender therapy in-person
- More flexible appointment times
- Attend therapy from a comfortable home environment
- People with anxiety about leaving the house may be more likely to attend online sessions
- Ease of access with user-friendly online therapy platforms
- Access care regardless of physical limitations that may prevent people with disabilities from attending in-person sessions
- Online therapy options may be more affordable
- Vet potential online therapists by reading their profiles and reviews
The impact of gender-affirming therapy on the LGBTQIA+ adults
Studies have shown that seeing a gender-affirming provider can greatly affect treatment outcomes for transgender and LGBTQIA+ individuals. A 2022 research article suggested that patient outcomes improved when healthcare providers:
- Are respectful of the patient's gender identity
- Use gender-neutral language
- Are aware of the healthcare risks impacting LGBTQIA+ patients
- Consider the increased risk of depression and anxiety
- Remember the challenges that LGBTQIA+ individuals face in society
Finding competent care in gender-identity therapy
When finding a therapist, it can be important to find the right fit. For members of the LGBTQIA+ community, finding a therapist who is culturally competent and educated on health and societal issues impacting LGBTQIA+ adults can be even more challenging.
Finding a competent therapist to discuss gender-related topics can lead some patients to travel long distances to go to appointments, adding financial and time constraints to the list of existing barriers. A survey conducted by the National Center for Transgender Equality revealed that 29% of patients seeking gender-affirming care traveled over 25 miles to reach a provider.
What is gender-affirming therapy? Is it just for transgender adults?
Gender therapy is a non-judgmental environment to discuss any gender-related topics or concerns with an affirming and understanding professional therapist. Gender therapists are mental health professionals who have specialized training in providing therapy services with cultural competence and respect for gender diversity.
Gender-identity therapy: What to expect and who can benefit
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 that LGBTQIA+ and gender-nonconforming people face in society.
Why people may seek gender therapy
People may seek out gender therapy for a variety of reasons:
- Emotional support through a gender transition from a mental health professional
- Treatment for anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions
- A non-judgmental environment to discuss gender identity
Gender therapists often teach skills for reducing gender-related stress and increasing self-awareness of how gender affects you. This can include traditional talk therapy and other therapeutic interventions. Therapy sessions are typically tailored to your unique needs to support your goals.
Who can benefit from gender therapy?
You may benefit from gender therapy if you:
- Are questioning your gender identity
- Are considering gender confirmation surgery or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Experience gender dysphoria
- Have symptoms of depression and anxiety related to any aspect of gender
When people begin to question their gender identity, they often turn to the internet for resources, advice, and guidance. An experienced online gender therapist can help you navigate gender dysphoria, transition, and other gender-related life experiences with evidence-based therapy techniques.
Gender therapy is not just for transgender individuals
Many different types of people have concerns or questions about gender roles and stereotypes, their bodies, or gender expression. A gender therapist can help people develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their connection to their bodies.
What is gender dysphoria? How it relates to gender identity
One of the reasons why LGBTQIA+ adults seek out mental health services such as online counseling is to help them navigate gender dysphoria. People may use the term gender dysphoria casually to describe their experiences, but it is also a medical diagnosis listed in the DSM-5. 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. In the past, gender dysphoria was considered a mental health condition, but gender diversity is now regarded by almost every major institution as natural and healthy.
The DSM-V definition of gender dysphoria
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) defines the criteria for gender dysphoria as an incongruence between gender identity and assigned gender lasting more than 6 months. Gender therapists have specialized education in gender dysphoria.
LGBTQIA+ adults report higher rates of mental health issues like depression and anxiety
Research by the United States Census Bureau found that LGBTQIA+ adults reported higher rates of anxiety and depression during the Covid-19 pandemic than non- LGBTQIA+ individuals. It is estimated that between 30-60% of LGBTQIA+ adults will experience anxiety or depression at some point in their lives, which is around twice as high as their non- LGBTQIA+ counterparts.
How online gender therapy helps LGBTQIA+ adults with depression and anxiety
LGBTQIA+ individuals have a greater risk of experiencing mental health conditions due to persistent discrimination and prejudice in society, and they also face barriers to seeking professional mental health care. Online therapy from a gender therapist can help LGBTQIA+ people with symptoms of depression and anxiety in a gender-affirming and culturally competent environment.
Online therapy for transgender and queer adults
LGBTQIA+ adults may prefer online therapy over in-person sessions because of the convenience, a larger selection of professionals to choose from, and affordability. Access to care is one of the most pertinent issues for transgender and queer adults. With online platforms like BetterHelp, you can find hundreds of experienced therapists who specialize in gender therapy. This can remove the need to search for the appropriate professional on your own, which can save you time and help you find what you're looking for.
Online gender therapy for helping LGBTQIA+ adults
If you have considered seeing a gender therapist but cannot find one in your area or have personal concerns with attending in-person sessions, online therapy may be an option worth considering. Online therapy allows people to attend sessions with specialized professionals from the comfort and safety of their homes.
The efficacy of online therapy for transgender and LGBT adults’ mental health
Online therapy has been found by researchers to be just as effective as traditional in-person sessions, even for serious mental health conditions. One 2019 research study found that users of BetterHelp had consistent and significant improvement in their depression symptoms regardless of their gender, financial status, or level of physical ability. Those who had never participated in therapy before had even more significant outcomes after the completion of the intervention. Researchers concluded that these results "suggest that multimodal digital psychotherapy is a potentially effective treatment for adult depression."
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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