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Optum Wellbeing

Optum Wellbeing

Optum Behavioral Care

Gender-affirming mental health care

Gender-affirming mental health care provides supportive, evidence-informed therapy for transgender, nonbinary, gender-diverse, and questioning individuals. Delivered by trained mental health professionals, this care helps address concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, self-esteem, identity exploration, and life transitions. Using a respectful and affirming approach, therapists focus on each person's unique goals, experiences, and overall well-being. Gender-affirming mental health care helps individuals build coping skills, strengthen resilience, improve mental health, and feel supported in living authentically.

What to expect during gender-affirming mental health care

Gender-affirming mental health care usually starts with a conversation about what is happening in your life right now. This helps you and your therapist decide what kind of support feels helpful for you.

Sessions are often held weekly and focus on what matters most to you.

Your therapist may use tools like worksheets or guided activities, and may suggest small activities between sessions to support your care. They may also make suggestions for other services if needed.

The length and approach of care depend on your needs and goals.

How gender-affirming mental health care can help

Gender-affirming mental health care may support people experiencing a range of emotional and mental health concerns, including:

Anxiety
Body image concerns
Depression
Low self-esteem
Self-harm
Stress related to identity, coming out or transition
Substance use
Suicidal thoughts
Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Benefits of gender-affirming mental health care

Gender-affirming mental health care can help you:

Explore and understand your gender identity in a supportive space
Feel more confident and comfortable being yourself
Make choices about your care that feel right for you
Feel safer, more understood and more supported
Build coping skills for stress and life challenges
Support your mental health and overall wellbeing
Be treated with respect and affirmation for who you are
Improve your daily life and relationships

Find the right care for you

Caring, personalized support for your mental health. Connect with a mental health professional and get started today.

Footnotes

American Psychiatric Association, Gender-Affirming Therapy. Accessed May 22, 2026.

Mental Health America, Providing gender-affirming mental health care. Accessed May 22, 2026.

NAMI, LGBTQ+. Accessed May 22, 2026.

NAMI, Limits on Gender-Affirming Care. Accessed May 22, 2026.

PubMed, Mental Health Outcomes in Transgender and Nonbinary Youths Receiving Gender-Affirming Care. February 1, 2022.

The Trevor Project, The Trevor Project 2025 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People. May 6, 2026.