Creating a Training Program to Provide Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Veterans

This thesis outlines a comprehensive training program designed to equip mental health professionals with the knowledge, skills, and cultural competency necessary to provide gender-affirming mental health services to transgender veterans. Included in this training is an overview of the literature documenting the severe mental health disparities experienced by this population through a minority stress framework, unique challenges and needs commonly faced by transgender veterans, and barriers to receiving culturally competent and effective mental health services. Guidelines for the provision of gender affirming therapy for transgender veterans are offered, in addition to opportunities for self-of-therapist reflections, discussions, and activities around these topics.