“The Air in the Room is Uncomfortable”: A Qualitative Study on Transgender Emerging Adults’ Experiences in Mental Health Services
Abstract
This exploratory qualitative study focused on transgender and gender diverse (TGD) emerging adults and their experiences with mental health services while enrolled in higher education. Participants described their experiences which ranged from feeling affirmed to experiencing discrimination at the hands of providers. Results were analyzed to find two themes: the air in the room and navigating the disclosure of identity and experiences across treatment. Findings contribute to the literature by offering ways to provide mental health services to the TGD community that center their needs.
Fields of Study & Subjects
LGBTQ Health
Identity
and Policy
Gender
Sexuality
and Education
Counseling Practices and Supervision
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of LGBTQ Issues in Counseling
- Volume
- 20
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 46–65
- Publication date
- 2 January 2026
- Language
- EN