Transgender Therapists in Putnam County, TN

Photo of Cody Dewayne York, MA, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Cody Dewayne York
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38501
“Did you know that there are some seeds that cannot sprout unless they are first burned? Sometimes breaking is making. Even Iron can start again, and there are many things that can move through fire and find themselves much better for it afterward.” Kerrek, Critical Role. Sometimes we are confronted with difficult thoughts and experiences that can feel uncomfortable or impossible. I offer a relaxed environment to help you along that journey; be that depression or anxiety, life changes, grief or loss, mood disorders, etc. I strive to make sure I understand your place within in your story and want to help you get to your next chapter.
“Did you know that there are some seeds that cannot sprout unless they are first burned? Sometimes breaking is making. Even Iron can start again, and there are many things that can move through fire and find themselves much better for it afterward.” Kerrek, Critical Role. Sometimes we are confronted with difficult thoughts and experiences that can feel uncomfortable or impossible. I offer a relaxed environment to help you along that journey; be that depression or anxiety, life changes, grief or loss, mood disorders, etc. I strive to make sure I understand your place within in your story and want to help you get to your next chapter.
(931) 271-5789 View (931) 271-5789
Photo of Christina Williams, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38501
Waitlist for new clients
There comes a time when you realize that you need help. "Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase", MLK Jr. I believe no one wants to live in misery and the first step is asking for help. I believe in helping others to reaffirm their positivity and build on the ones that are struggles. My goal in therapy is for my clients to feel at ease and know they are not alone. To help them deal with the multitude of issues that sometimes can bring pain and help them on the path of healing.
There comes a time when you realize that you need help. "Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase", MLK Jr. I believe no one wants to live in misery and the first step is asking for help. I believe in helping others to reaffirm their positivity and build on the ones that are struggles. My goal in therapy is for my clients to feel at ease and know they are not alone. To help them deal with the multitude of issues that sometimes can bring pain and help them on the path of healing.
(931) 783-1169 View (931) 783-1169
Photo of Ajay James Rashe, LPC, MHSP, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ajay James Rashe
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, MA
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38501  (Online Only)
“It’s only a passing thing this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines, it will shine out the clearer.” -J.R.R Tolkien. There are times in life where the road forward is unclear, and all you can do is take the first step. I want to create an open, affirming, and safe place for you to explore your path. There are going to be periods of struggle, loss, grief, joy, growth and celebration. Mental health work is not a destination but a journey created for and by you. I strongly believe in giving you the autonomy, dignity, and respect to make your own decision with a little guidance.
“It’s only a passing thing this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines, it will shine out the clearer.” -J.R.R Tolkien. There are times in life where the road forward is unclear, and all you can do is take the first step. I want to create an open, affirming, and safe place for you to explore your path. There are going to be periods of struggle, loss, grief, joy, growth and celebration. Mental health work is not a destination but a journey created for and by you. I strongly believe in giving you the autonomy, dignity, and respect to make your own decision with a little guidance.
(931) 271-5923 View (931) 271-5923
Photo of Zachary Spoerl, MDiv, MA, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Zachary Spoerl
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, MA, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cookeville, TN 38501  (Online Only)
I work with individuals, couples, and families from a range of experiences, but find that most are dealing with some form of anxiety, depression, or shame-based symptoms. It can be very difficult to address these issues with others in our lives for a number of valid and practical reasons. As a therapist, I offer a safe, private, and nonjudgemental space for people to begin discussing and exploring these often uncomfortable parts of self, with the hope that more understanding will lead to a lessening of symptoms, as well as a clearer path forward.
I work with individuals, couples, and families from a range of experiences, but find that most are dealing with some form of anxiety, depression, or shame-based symptoms. It can be very difficult to address these issues with others in our lives for a number of valid and practical reasons. As a therapist, I offer a safe, private, and nonjudgemental space for people to begin discussing and exploring these often uncomfortable parts of self, with the hope that more understanding will lead to a lessening of symptoms, as well as a clearer path forward.
(931) 807-6645 View (931) 807-6645
Photo of Anne Loubier, MA, LPCMHSP, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Anne Loubier
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCMHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38501
I graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2014 with a Masters Degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology, and since then I have had experience working with all ages, including working in intense situations with the police department and hospitals in Chicago, IL. I practice an integrative approach focusing on the whole person, physically, mentally, and emotionally. I approach counseling using mindfulness techniques, along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing. I have had experience working with a wide variety of issues including Depression, Anxiety, crisis intervention, self-esteem, grief and loss, and PTSD.
I graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2014 with a Masters Degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology, and since then I have had experience working with all ages, including working in intense situations with the police department and hospitals in Chicago, IL. I practice an integrative approach focusing on the whole person, physically, mentally, and emotionally. I approach counseling using mindfulness techniques, along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing. I have had experience working with a wide variety of issues including Depression, Anxiety, crisis intervention, self-esteem, grief and loss, and PTSD.
(931) 263-0681 View (931) 263-0681
Photo of Carol Smith - Insight Counseling Centers, LMFT, MDiv, Marriage & Family Therapist
Insight Counseling Centers
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MDiv
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38501
We support you in finding the therapist who's right for you! We offer a safe place to address anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, premarital counseling, grief and loss, spiritual abuse, trauma, and stress, among other concerns. We serve individuals, couples, and families of all ages and from diverse backgrounds. Whether you have been struggling with a particular issue for years or you just want to try to make your life a little better, we are here to help.
We support you in finding the therapist who's right for you! We offer a safe place to address anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, premarital counseling, grief and loss, spiritual abuse, trauma, and stress, among other concerns. We serve individuals, couples, and families of all ages and from diverse backgrounds. Whether you have been struggling with a particular issue for years or you just want to try to make your life a little better, we are here to help.
(615) 994-7026 View (615) 994-7026
Photo of Isha Shantel Chaney, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Isha Shantel Chaney
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 342-4699 View (931) 342-4699

Online Therapists

Photo of Emily Pohorence, MEd, LPCC, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Emily Pohorence
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPCC, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37419  (Online Only)
Accepting new clients in Tennessee and Ohio! Will be credentialed with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee in August 2024! I’m Emily and I work with teens and adults, navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, gender exploration, neurodivergence, relationships, self-worth, sexuality, and trauma. As a queer identifying person, I am passionate about helping individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community, with specialized experience in transgender and nonbinary care. I have specific experience writing letters of support for transgender and nonbinary clients seeking Hormone Replacement Therapy and/or gender affirming surgery.
Accepting new clients in Tennessee and Ohio! Will be credentialed with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee in August 2024! I’m Emily and I work with teens and adults, navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, gender exploration, neurodivergence, relationships, self-worth, sexuality, and trauma. As a queer identifying person, I am passionate about helping individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community, with specialized experience in transgender and nonbinary care. I have specific experience writing letters of support for transgender and nonbinary clients seeking Hormone Replacement Therapy and/or gender affirming surgery.
(423) 556-8675 View (423) 556-8675
Photo of Rachel Hammons, MA, LPCMHSP, NCC, Counselor
Rachel Hammons
Counselor, MA, LPCMHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212
I specialize in OCD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and gender dysphoria/identity exploration.
It’s taken me a long time to write this because I desperately wanted my bio to communicate my heart for counseling, people, and the work that I do, but I also feel that words fall short when you’re trying to communicate something so intimate. First of all, you are brave for taking a step toward deeper healing, and I am honored that you might consider me as a support alongside you in your journey. Whether this is your first time seeking counseling or your 10th time, I hope to encourage and help empower you in your fight to become who you want to be. Whatever next step you decide to take, I hope the best for you.
I specialize in OCD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and gender dysphoria/identity exploration.
It’s taken me a long time to write this because I desperately wanted my bio to communicate my heart for counseling, people, and the work that I do, but I also feel that words fall short when you’re trying to communicate something so intimate. First of all, you are brave for taking a step toward deeper healing, and I am honored that you might consider me as a support alongside you in your journey. Whether this is your first time seeking counseling or your 10th time, I hope to encourage and help empower you in your fight to become who you want to be. Whatever next step you decide to take, I hope the best for you.
(615) 471-7560 View (615) 471-7560
Photo of Julia A McAninch, PsyD, Psychologist
Julia A McAninch
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37204
My specialty areas include trauma and PTSD (rape, child abuse, domestic violence, neglect, emotional abuse, car accidents and other accidents, combat exposure, and other violent crimes); relationship issues (couples therapy, recovering from affairs, LGBT couples, family conflict); sexuality (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning concerns, sexual performance, diverse sexual expression); gender (women's issues, men's issues, transgender issues); identity exploration (college students, multicultural populations, career changes); mood disorders (depression and anxiety); along with other areas of concern. Please go to www.mcaninchpsychological.com to see more.
My specialty areas include trauma and PTSD (rape, child abuse, domestic violence, neglect, emotional abuse, car accidents and other accidents, combat exposure, and other violent crimes); relationship issues (couples therapy, recovering from affairs, LGBT couples, family conflict); sexuality (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning concerns, sexual performance, diverse sexual expression); gender (women's issues, men's issues, transgender issues); identity exploration (college students, multicultural populations, career changes); mood disorders (depression and anxiety); along with other areas of concern. Please go to www.mcaninchpsychological.com to see more.
(615) 208-7104 View (615) 208-7104
Photo of Emu Aragon, MS, LPCMHSP, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Emu Aragon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCMHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37403  (Online Only)
This includes Persons of Color (Black, Indigenous, Latine/a/o, Asian, Middle Eastern, and multiracial individuals) as well as Queer and Transgender folx (LGBTQIA2S+).
Clients I see are typically wrestling with experiences that have impacted the way they view themselves, relationships, and the world around them. These experiences often leave us feeling wounded, unable to reconnect with ourselves or others. If this resonates with you, we might be a good fit for each other. As a wounded healer myself I seek to support you on your road to healing in a way that honors your unique set of values, beliefs, and cultural identity. I strive to take the time to get to know you, helping you to feel seen, heard, and understood. Who you want to be is possible. Your story, as it is, doesn't have to define you.
This includes Persons of Color (Black, Indigenous, Latine/a/o, Asian, Middle Eastern, and multiracial individuals) as well as Queer and Transgender folx (LGBTQIA2S+).
Clients I see are typically wrestling with experiences that have impacted the way they view themselves, relationships, and the world around them. These experiences often leave us feeling wounded, unable to reconnect with ourselves or others. If this resonates with you, we might be a good fit for each other. As a wounded healer myself I seek to support you on your road to healing in a way that honors your unique set of values, beliefs, and cultural identity. I strive to take the time to get to know you, helping you to feel seen, heard, and understood. Who you want to be is possible. Your story, as it is, doesn't have to define you.
(423) 592-8163 View (423) 592-8163
Photo of April Michelle Tyson Tn Ky License, MA, LPC, MHSP, MAC, SAP, Licensed Professional Counselor
April Michelle Tyson Tn Ky License
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP, MAC, SAP
Verified Verified
Tennessee and Kentucky licensure -I am a SAP for those who operate under DOT safety and have failed a drug test.* We all need someone at one time or another. Reach out, I would love to help. I have many years working with addiction and recovery. I work with many populations to include addictions, codependency, couples, marriage and family, childhood trauma, grief, severe and persistent mental illness such as bi-polar, OCD etc, situational issues, and personality disorders. I work with spiritual issues and have experience working with transgender population such as gender dysphoria and coming out. I use person centered approach.
Tennessee and Kentucky licensure -I am a SAP for those who operate under DOT safety and have failed a drug test.* We all need someone at one time or another. Reach out, I would love to help. I have many years working with addiction and recovery. I work with many populations to include addictions, codependency, couples, marriage and family, childhood trauma, grief, severe and persistent mental illness such as bi-polar, OCD etc, situational issues, and personality disorders. I work with spiritual issues and have experience working with transgender population such as gender dysphoria and coming out. I use person centered approach.
(615) 265-6218 View (615) 265-6218
Photo of Meg Miller, MEd, (Temp), Pre-Licensed Professional
Meg Miller
Pre-Licensed Professional, MEd, (Temp)
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Your identity as LGBTQ+, kinky, non-monogamous, transgender, disabled, or neurodivergent will be respected and dignified here.
Whether you're looking for mental health counseling, sex therapy, or both, it would be my honor to work with you. I have experience working with a myriad of sexual difficulties as well as struggles with anxiety, depression, shame, identity, relationship issues and more. Using talk therapy, I take a unique approach to uniting many different parts of the self and helping clients create the life that they want without embarrassment or shame.
Your identity as LGBTQ+, kinky, non-monogamous, transgender, disabled, or neurodivergent will be respected and dignified here.
Whether you're looking for mental health counseling, sex therapy, or both, it would be my honor to work with you. I have experience working with a myriad of sexual difficulties as well as struggles with anxiety, depression, shame, identity, relationship issues and more. Using talk therapy, I take a unique approach to uniting many different parts of the self and helping clients create the life that they want without embarrassment or shame.
(423) 397-4211 View (423) 397-4211
Photo of Je'taylor (Jeremy) Coylewright, MSEd, JD, Pre-Licensed Professional
Je'taylor (Jeremy) Coylewright
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSEd, JD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37411
I enjoy working with clients of all ages to build safer relationships. This is a place to learn how to communicate well and gain strength through self-care as well as stronger family and community connections. I am also LGBTQ+ identified and celebratory and enjoy supporting individual and family journeys toward greater understanding of sexual and gender identities. I partner to facilitate safer and more joyful spaces with Transgender and Gender Expansive folks (because we deserve it) and am excited to support open, polyamorous, ethically non-monogamous and other multiculturally diverse relationship and identity spaces.
I enjoy working with clients of all ages to build safer relationships. This is a place to learn how to communicate well and gain strength through self-care as well as stronger family and community connections. I am also LGBTQ+ identified and celebratory and enjoy supporting individual and family journeys toward greater understanding of sexual and gender identities. I partner to facilitate safer and more joyful spaces with Transgender and Gender Expansive folks (because we deserve it) and am excited to support open, polyamorous, ethically non-monogamous and other multiculturally diverse relationship and identity spaces.
(423) 515-6905 View (423) 515-6905
Photo of Shana V Hamilton-Lockwood, PhD, Psychologist
Shana V Hamilton-Lockwood
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37921  (Online Only)
This included training in relationship and sex therapy, compulsive sexual behavior/addiction, multiple fetishes and working with individuals who are transgender.
I strive to provide a safe space for all clients to explore the issues bringing them to therapy and what underlies those issues. As a multicultural/relational therapist identities that are important to you provide a background for therapy (race, religion, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, political affiliations, gender identity, gender, sex, ableness, etc.) as those identities make up who you are. Relationships and how you relate with others are also important. I treat anxiety, depression, grief/loss, phases of life issues, family issues, women's issues and men's issues. I am also a sex and gender specialist.
This included training in relationship and sex therapy, compulsive sexual behavior/addiction, multiple fetishes and working with individuals who are transgender.
I strive to provide a safe space for all clients to explore the issues bringing them to therapy and what underlies those issues. As a multicultural/relational therapist identities that are important to you provide a background for therapy (race, religion, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, political affiliations, gender identity, gender, sex, ableness, etc.) as those identities make up who you are. Relationships and how you relate with others are also important. I treat anxiety, depression, grief/loss, phases of life issues, family issues, women's issues and men's issues. I am also a sex and gender specialist.
(865) 503-6256 View (865) 503-6256
Photo of Alexa Borrows, MS, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alexa Borrows
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37934  (Online Only)
My goal is to empower you to identify and overcome personal obstacles that are preventing you from getting the most out of life. I strive to create a warm, empathetic, understanding and, most importantly, collaborative environment. Working together, we will tackle life’s challenges—whether they may be problems of anxiety, self-esteem, or unhealthy patterns of behavior. I specialize in treating adults with anxiety, OCD, phobias, eating disorders, and life transitions. I also work with transgender individuals. My background is in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and my hope is to help you live a more meaningful life.
My goal is to empower you to identify and overcome personal obstacles that are preventing you from getting the most out of life. I strive to create a warm, empathetic, understanding and, most importantly, collaborative environment. Working together, we will tackle life’s challenges—whether they may be problems of anxiety, self-esteem, or unhealthy patterns of behavior. I specialize in treating adults with anxiety, OCD, phobias, eating disorders, and life transitions. I also work with transgender individuals. My background is in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and my hope is to help you live a more meaningful life.
(865) 205-0788 View (865) 205-0788
Photo of Tynya Patton, MA, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tynya Patton
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37211  (Online Only)
Most therapists are caring people, willing to help with whatever you’re going through. But it’s not always so easy to find someone who fully gets your lived experience, particularly in the areas of LGBTQIA+ identity. That’s one reason why I specialize in helping those who are dealing with gender identity, gender dysphoria, and sexual orientation issues. I can empathize and affirm where you’re at right now, supporting you as you identify your authentic self, your needs, and your goals. With the right treatment you can work through this time of transition and feel more confident about the future.
Most therapists are caring people, willing to help with whatever you’re going through. But it’s not always so easy to find someone who fully gets your lived experience, particularly in the areas of LGBTQIA+ identity. That’s one reason why I specialize in helping those who are dealing with gender identity, gender dysphoria, and sexual orientation issues. I can empathize and affirm where you’re at right now, supporting you as you identify your authentic self, your needs, and your goals. With the right treatment you can work through this time of transition and feel more confident about the future.
(615) 392-6984 View (615) 392-6984
Photo of Cassandra Riddle, LPC, MHSP, T, Pre-Licensed Professional
Cassandra Riddle
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC, MHSP, T
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37404
She is an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and experienced in working with transgender population.
Finding the right person to help with life’s problems can be an overwhelming task. Aided by her warmth and authenticity, Cassandra creates an environment where clients feel supported and empowered to share their experiences. She has decades of life experience working with adolescents and adults across multiple settings, which informs her practice. Cassandra works with clients who have experienced a life change, trauma, grief/loss and are experiencing adjustment difficulties, anxiety, and/or depression. She provides individual therapy for adolescents, adults as well as couples therapy.
She is an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and experienced in working with transgender population.
Finding the right person to help with life’s problems can be an overwhelming task. Aided by her warmth and authenticity, Cassandra creates an environment where clients feel supported and empowered to share their experiences. She has decades of life experience working with adolescents and adults across multiple settings, which informs her practice. Cassandra works with clients who have experienced a life change, trauma, grief/loss and are experiencing adjustment difficulties, anxiety, and/or depression. She provides individual therapy for adolescents, adults as well as couples therapy.
(754) 220-5946 View (754) 220-5946
Photo of Jacqueline Carlisle-Berkley - Sunrise Counseling Services LLC, LPC, LMSW, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sunrise Counseling Services LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Clarksville, TN 37043
At Sunrise Counseling, we prioritize your well-being, offering a serene, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment. We understand that seeking counseling is a significant decision, and in life's challenges, we all may require extra support. Whether facing daily struggles, life events, crises, or uncharted emotional difficulties, our professional counseling provides unbiased guidance and support to help you navigate and resolve your emotional concerns.
At Sunrise Counseling, we prioritize your well-being, offering a serene, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment. We understand that seeking counseling is a significant decision, and in life's challenges, we all may require extra support. Whether facing daily struggles, life events, crises, or uncharted emotional difficulties, our professional counseling provides unbiased guidance and support to help you navigate and resolve your emotional concerns.
(931) 557-9249 View (931) 557-9249
Photo of Nick Barajas, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nick Barajas
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37206  (Online Only)
( ( ( Availability for neurodivergent coaching or mental health therapy. Looking for recently diagnosed/self-diagnosed Autistic/ADHD teens or adults ) ) ) I am a neurodivergent coach and therapist. This means that I am neurodivergent, but also that I work exclusively with neurodivergent people, from a neurodivergent perspective. Neurodivergent means "a brain that diverges from the norm," I use it to refer collectively to Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia – brains that are not ill or broken, but fundamentally wired differently than the average person. If this describes you, then you've come to the right place.
( ( ( Availability for neurodivergent coaching or mental health therapy. Looking for recently diagnosed/self-diagnosed Autistic/ADHD teens or adults ) ) ) I am a neurodivergent coach and therapist. This means that I am neurodivergent, but also that I work exclusively with neurodivergent people, from a neurodivergent perspective. Neurodivergent means "a brain that diverges from the norm," I use it to refer collectively to Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia – brains that are not ill or broken, but fundamentally wired differently than the average person. If this describes you, then you've come to the right place.
View

See more therapy options for Putnam County

Transgender Therapists

As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?

A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.

What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?

Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.

How can I recognize a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?

An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognize a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.

How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?

Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.