The Role of the Psychiatrist Working with Transgender Patients

Abstract

There is a lack of psychiatric training and literature that addresses how best to care for transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) people. This article seeks to give the psychiatrist working with TGNC adults a reliable framework and core concepts that help define the role of the psychiatrist working with this population. There are many functions of the psychiatrist, some of which are specific to TGNC identity consolidation and/or gender transition, and some that involve more generic or universal clinical considerations but require specialized knowledge about unique TGNC experiences and medical needs. There are social, cultural, historical, and political factors that affect the working alliance as well as the patient's health and forward trajectory. Working on a team and/or in collaboration with other medical providers and nonpsychiatric agencies is often necessary. Networking and expanding outside traditional psychiatric settings enhances education and clinical practice. [ Psychiatr Ann. 2016;46(6):340–345.]