I Want to Start Therapy: How Can I Find a Trans Competent Provider?

Are you trans and looking to start therapy?

Therapy is a vulnerable process for everyone, but for trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming folks, there can be added risk when seeking a safe, affirming space. And even when cis therapists are trans affirming, that doesn’t always mean they’re equipped to provide competent care to their trans, non-binary, or gender non-conforming patients–having to discontinue treatment after just a few appointments is an experience that’s common among trans and non-binary patients due to their providers lack of knowledge around gender, identity, and trans- specific concerns. 

Many trans and non-binary patients are also often put in the uncomfortable and inappropriate position of having to take time out of their appointment to educate their provider–which reduces the safety they can feel within treatment, and uses up valuable session time burdening the patient with more emotional labor.  

So how can you find a provider who is not just trans affirming, but able to offer trans competent care? Here are a few tips for finding a therapist who is right for you:

Explore your existing network: 

If you have queer friends, have any of them found success in searching for providers? Asking their advice for searching for providers in your area can help you determine the best way to start searching for care, and what green and red flags may look like from someone who has recently been through the process. It can also give you a starting point by exploring the professional network connected with their therapist. If you’re getting recommendations from close friends, note that they may not feel comfortable sharing their own therapist with you–you’ll have to navigate that within your own relationship!

Use websites like Good Therapy and Psychology Today that feature a large database of therapists. 

If you don’t have anyone in your network to consult, online databases can help you begin your search. Using the advanced or keyword search can help narrow things down so you’re not overwhelmed by options, and give you a smaller pool of providers to consider. Taking time to cross reference therapists’ profiles on these sites by checking reviews and visiting their own website can help you make a more informed decision. For instance, if they’re listed as trans-affirming or specializing in queer issues on GoodTherapy or Psychology Today, does the language used on their website match that? Do they address queer and trans specific issues on their website, or are they simply included in a list of clients seen? 

Ask for a brief phone consultation with the therapist. 

Most therapists are willing to do phone consults so you can get a sense of their theoretical approach and experience. Have they, now or in the past, sought out specialized supervision or consultation related to working with trans and gender-diverse clients? Do they currently have any trans/GNC/non-binary clients? What is their language like within the phone consultation? Do they steer away from gendered language or asking follow up questions about gender-specific issues you bring up?

Schedule an initial appointment. 

How does it feel to be in the therapist’s office? Did they seem comfortable speaking about issues of gender identity and any other concerns you want to address, or did they seem generally avoidant of gender related issues? Was your time spent exploring what your work together would look like, or was there undue burden on you to educate your therapist on gender, sexuality, or other identity issues? Did they seem open to feedback? If it felt relatively easy and safe to share your concerns with the therapist, they listened empathetically and have experience working with trans clients, you may want to schedule 2-3 more sessions to determine whether it is a good long-term fit.

If you need a letter of support to access gender-affirming surgery, ask about this up front. 

Does the therapist have experience in writing letters of this type? What are their policies about the number of visits or length of time in treatment before they feel comfortable writing a letter? Make sure you also request any requirements for letters of support from your surgeon and bring them to your session.

If you live in a rural area, consider non-traditional methods such as telehealth (phone or video) sessions. 

Not all therapists are able to offer this service, but you may be able to make an arrangement that will work for you. If the therapist is too far away or is not accepting new clients, ask for a referral to a trusted colleague. If you feel that you need immediate peer support, Trans Lifeline may be a good resource.

Having trouble finding local therapists? 

If you are under the age of 24, you can talk, text, or chat with operators at The Trevor Project, who may be able to help you connect with resources near you. For both youth and adults, call The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) national helpline, 1800-950-NAMI, or email info@nami.org to request information and resources.

Sometimes finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming and take some time. Doing your research, asking some basic questions, trusting your instincts, and taking some time to get to know potential new therapists can make all the difference in the quality of trans-affirming therapy you receive. At G&STC we understand how hard it can be to find a therapist that works for you. We also understand that you shouldn't have to educate your therapist on basic competency or manage stigma, discrimination or microaggressions in a therapeutic space. Please contact us to schedule an initial phone consultation and session!

Blog authors all hold positions at the Gender & Sexuality Therapy Center (G&STC). For more information about our therapists and services please contact us.