Gender identity is a person’s internal experience of their gender. It’s their unique sense of being a man, a woman, nonbinary, etc.
If you’re experiencing distress related to your gender identity, it could be a sign of gender dysphoria. This is a common experience among people of diverse gender identities.
A psychiatrist can play a key role in helping you manage gender dysphoria. They can provide a diagnosis, clear you for medical interventions, collaborate with your care team, and more.
Gender identity is an internal experience. It's a person’s sense of being a man, a woman, nonbinary, gender-fluid, etc. A person’s gender identity can differ from the gender they were assigned at birth. When this happens, people may come to identify as trans or transgender.
Feeling unsure about your gender identity can be a confusing experience. It can impact your mental well-being and sense of self. These challenges often stem from the way society stigmatizes transgender people. They aren’t the result of being trans.
Gender-diverse people may desire to live as a different gender than the one they were assigned at birth. That doesn’t mean they have a mental health condition. But if you have emotional distress related to your gender, it could be due to gender dysphoria. This is a common (but not universal) experience among transgender and nonbinary people.
Psychiatric providers and other types of providers (like therapists and general practitioners) can provide gender-affirming care. This can help you feel more comfortable in your body and empower you to live more authentically.
When to see a psychiatrist for gender dysphoria
While there are no medications to treat gender dysphoria, a psychiatrist can help in other ways, in addition to therapy. If you think you may have gender dysphoria, you may want to consider seeing a psychiatrist if you:
Are experiencing gender-related stress that impacts your daily functioning
Have co-occurring mental health conditions, like anxiety or depression
Have tried therapy, self-care, or other coping strategies but haven’t experienced the relief you’d hoped for
Need professional clearance to take the next steps in your transition
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What a psychiatrist can do for gender identity
If you need support as you explore your gender identity, here are a few ways a psychiatrist can help.
A comprehensive evaluation
One of the most important steps in managing gender-related stress is receiving a professional evaluation. A psychiatrist will review your history and symptoms and listen to your concerns. Then, they’ll determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for gender dysphoria.
Identifying co-occurring conditions
Psychiatrists can identify and diagnose co-occurring conditions that may impact your treatment.
For example, people who experience gender dysphoria are at greater risk of depression, anxiety, unhealthy substance use, and suicidality.* This is due to the stress of living with a stigmatized gender identity rather than the result of being trans. Effective treatment requires addressing all of a person’s mental and physical health concerns.
*A note on safety: If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 from any phone. The counselors there will provide confidential support and resources to help keep you safe.
Care team collaboration
Gender-affirming care often involves a multidisciplinary care team. Your psychiatric provider will collaborate with your doctor, surgeon, therapist, etc. to help you meet your goals.
For example, they may provide assessments to determine if you’re a good candidate for hormone therapy or surgery. They’ll then communicate their findings to the providers who offer these services.
Medication management
If you have a co-occurring condition, like depression, your psychiatric provider may prescribe medication. They’ll monitor its effectiveness and make changes as necessary. Medication management is a major component of psychiatric care.
Referrals and recommendations
A variety of supports can help you manage gender dysphoria. For example, your psychiatrist may recommend gender-affirming therapy. This unique form of care is designed to strengthen the well-being of people exploring their gender identity.
Finding a gender-affirming psychiatrist
Here are a few tips to help you find a psychiatrist who offers gender-affirming care:
Ask your existing providers for a referral. Talk to your current doctor or therapist about your gender-related concerns. Let them know that you’re looking for a psychiatrist who offers gender-affirming care.
Vet potential providers. During your first meeting, you can ask about a provider’s experience treating transgender people. You can also ask about their background and training or raise any concerns you may have.
Consider your personal criteria. For some people, it’s important that their psychiatrist shares a similar background or identity. It’s OK if you’d prefer to see a psychiatrist who’s also transgender or gender diverse.
Have patience with the process. You might be anxious about the process of starting treatment. And it may take a few sessions for your psychiatrist to confirm your diagnosis. Try to remember that having a full understanding of your mental and physical health can help your psychiatrist provide the best possible gender-affirming care.
A meaningful way that psychiatric providers can help someone who’s experiencing gender dysphoria is by using gender-affirming language and appropriate pronouns. It’s also important to explore the patient’s goals and make sure the care you’re providing aligns with their unique needs.
Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC
Clinical reviewer
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Sometimes, a person’s gender identity (their internal experience of gender) doesn’t match the one they were assigned at birth. This can be a confusing experience, and, for some people, it can lead to emotional distress. When this happens, it may be a sign of gender dysphoria.
Fortunately, this condition can be treated with help from a psychiatrist who offers gender-affirming care. These providers can ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis, identify co-occurring conditions, provide clearance for medical interventions, and recommend other supports to help you manage gender dysphoria.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC
Halee is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with experience treating children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in outpatient community health with children/adolescents as well as inpatient substance use disorder treatment. She currently sees patients via outpatient telehealth. Before becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she worked in emergency rooms, medical-surgical units, long-term care facilities (including Alzheimer/dementia units) and the intensive care unit.
She chose a career in mental health because she wanted to help people and to contribute to breaking down stigma around mental health. She is especially passionate about working with people who are navigating substance use disorders, depressive disorders, and anxiety/trauma-related disorders. She has three labradoodles that she adores.
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