intermediatetransgendergender dysphoriaminority stresscultural competencegender-affirming careLGBTQ+
A 24-year-old transgender woman presents to the PMHNP reporting depression and anxiety. She has been on estrogen therapy for 18 months and reports that her dysphoria has significantly improved since transitioning. However, she describes persistent social anxiety related to workplace discrimination and family rejection. She asks whether her gender identity itself is considered a mental health diagnosis. The PMHNP must navigate this assessment with cultural competence.