Applying Cognitive Behavioral Principles to Promote Health in Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals

Abstract

Mental and physical health disparities for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) communities have been well-documented. While advancements have been made in the development of guidelines when providing mental health care to TGD clients, gaps remain, particularly related to concrete applications of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) approaches to address the unique mental health needs of TGD people. Such gaps leave many mental health professionals inadequately prepared to assess and treat clinical distress in TGD people, which in turn maintains health disparities. Utilizing case vignettes reflecting diverse TGD identities, this paper discusses minority stress and intersectional stigma frameworks and demonstrates their integration with CBT principles in the delivery of culturally tailored assessment, case conceptualization, and treatment of TGD clients.