Barriers to Treatment: Addressing Stigma and Discrimination in Substance Use and Mental Health Services for Transgender Individuals
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Introduction
Transgender individuals face disproportionately high rates of substance use disorders and mental health conditions compared to their cisgender counterparts. Despite the urgent need for affirming, competent care, many trans individuals encounter significant barriers when seeking treatment. Stigma, discrimination, provider incompetence, and systemic obstacles contribute to these challenges, resulting in delayed or inadequate care. This article explores these barriers and offers recommendations for creating more inclusive and accessible treatment environments.
The Scope of the Issue
Research indicates that transgender individuals are at a higher risk for substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and suicidality due to the compounded effects of minority stress, trauma, and societal rejection (Budge et al., 2013; Hendricks & Testa, 2012). Many turn to substance use as a coping mechanism for the discrimination and marginalization they experience in daily life. The lack of comprehensive research on transgender health further exacerbates the problem as health care policies and treatment models often fail to address their unique needs adequately.
About Me
Kristina Padilla, MA, LAADC, ICAADC, CGS, is a leader with the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP), where she serves as the vice president of strategic development and vice president of education, overseeing CCAPP’s education department. Mx. Padilla has a BS in criminal justice administration and a MA in counseling psychology with an emphasis on marriage and family therapy. She is on the board of directors of the National Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Addiction Professionals and their Allies (NALGAP), where she is the vice president and the California representative. Mx. Padilla identifies as a trans, gender-fluid, two-spirit, nonbinary, biologically born woman. Her pronouns are she/her and they/them, and she goes by the suffix of Mx. Padilla.
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