Mental Health Services Intake: Creating a Supportive Environment for Transgender and Gender-Expansive People

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Mental health intake may be a time of vulnerability for transgender and gender-expansive (T/G-E) people. Here, we describe processes that create a supportive environment where T/G-E people can feel welcome and safe.

METHODS:

After reviewing the literature describing the many negative experiences of T/G-E people when encountering health care, we developed a nursing theory-driven, humanistic approach for initiating the therapeutic relationship at intake. Specifically, our approach weaves together Human Caring Theory, trauma-informed care, and therapeutic use of the self during the first encounter with mental health services. Focusing on gathering information needed for the next steps, this process included an examination of every aspect of the intake process to eliminate bias.

RESULTS:

When properly and holistically employed, these processes may facilitate the initiation of a trauma-informed, therapeutic relationship and rapport that welcomes all, but especially T/G-E people.

CONCLUSIONS:

Human Caring Theory provides necessary guidance that humanizes mental health intake procedures aligns with holistic outcomes and may be especially helpful when providing mental health services to people who identify as T/G-E.