Knowledge,Attitudes,and Experiences of Psychiatric Professionals in Providing Care to Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth in Acute Mental Health Settings: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Introduction:

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth disproportionately experience suicidality and acute psychiatric visits. However, research on affirming care in this setting is severely limited.

Aims:

This mixed-methods study aimed to (1) assess pediatric acute psychiatric professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and comfort working with TGD youth and (2) examine pediatric acute psychiatric professionals’ experiences and perceptions of providing affirming care to TGD youth.

Methods:

This study used a mixed-methods approach to assess pediatric acute psychiatric health professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and comfort working with TGD youth and examine their experiences and perceptions of providing affirming care. Participants completed an online questionnaire consisting of demographic and professional characteristics, transgender-related attitudes and beliefs, and a series of true/false knowledge questions.

Results:

Among participants (N = 31), most (n = 22, 71%) reported prior specific training and/or education on TGD youth, while less than a quarter (n = 7, 23%) reported the amount to be adequate. The mean knowledge score was 94.4% (SD = 7.1; range: 73%–100%). Optional interviews (n = 9) yielded nine inductive themes: five describing experiences of TGD youth care and four describing perceptions of affirming care.

Conclusions:

Acute psychiatric settings provide crucial care for youth in crisis. Given starkly high rates of suicidality among TGD youth, there is a pressing need for targeted training to enhance healthcare workers’ abilities to intervene effectively. Competency training should emphasize gender identity and expression, use of preferred pronouns, and understanding healthcare needs like hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries.