Gender Dysphoria

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, text revision (DSM-5-TR)1 states that gender dysphoria, previously known as gender identity disorder, is a term that refers to the distress people experience if they feel a disconnect between their assigned gender and their experienced or expressed gender. The feelings of discomfort, discontent, and distress may be so extreme that they have negative effects on their daily lives and overall well-being. 

Although gender dysphoria typically develops in childhood, there are some individuals who may not begin experiencing symptoms until adolescence or adulthood. People who have gender dysphoria may dress and act more like their expressed gender as opposed to their assigned gender, and they may be stigmatized or rejected for expressing their realized gender, which can ultimately cause them significant emotional and psychological distress. 

To understand gender dysphoria, it is necessary to first understand the clinical definitions of the terms used, as outlined by the American Psychiatric Association: 

• The term “sex” refers to the biological indicators of male and female as understood in the context of reproductive capacity. 

• The term “gender” refers to the public, sociocultural, and lived role as boy or girl, man or woman, or other gender.  

In the DSM-5-TR, the American Psychiatric Association outlines the specific criteria an adult must meet to be diagnosed with gender dysphoria. These include: 

• There is a marked incongruence between one’s expressed gender and primary and/or secondary sex characteristics. 

• There is a strong desire to be rid of one’s primary and/or secondary sex characteristics because of a marked incongruence with one’s expressed gender. 

• There is a strong desire to have the primary and/or secondary sex characteristics of the other gender. 

• There is a strong desire to be of the other gender or of an alternative gender that is different from one’s assigned gender. 

• There is a strong desire to be treated as the other gender or as an alternative gender that is different from one’s assigned gender. 

• There is a strong conviction that one has the typical feelings and reactions of the other gender or of an alternative gender that is different from their assigned gender. 

It is important to note that for a person to receive a clinical diagnosis of gender dysphoria, they must meet at least two of the listed criteria for a period of at least six months. The American Psychiatric Association also notes that the criteria a person meets must cause the person clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning. 

If a person has symptoms of gender dysphoria and is experiencing distress as a result, it could be beneficial for them to seek care from a trained behavioral health professional. 

While it’s true that some people can overcome emotional struggles that result from the symptoms of gender dysphoria on their own, therapy is frequently useful in bringing about self-discovery that can lead to healing. Therapy can also help people learn how to cope with strong emotions that may result from peer-related challenges or social stigma. 

By receiving treatment in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment, people who have gender dysphoria can find self-acceptance and confidence as they move forward. 

At Turning Point Centers in Sandy, Utah, we offer a variety of treatment options for people who are suffering from mental health disorders and co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns. Each person who comes to our treatment center takes part in a comprehensive assessment that gives our team an opportunity to gather important information about their circumstances. Areas of information clients may discuss include their medical history, their social interactions, their presenting symptoms, and any previous treatment they may have received. The results of this assessment allow our compassionate behavioral health professionals to put together a customized plan of care that is designed to address each person’s specific needs and outline their goals for treatment. 

Because everyone has an individualized treatment plan, all clients do not receive the same services. For clients who have gender dysphoria, a treatment plan is carefully crafted to ensure that the services they receive best align with their needs. 

Examples of the types of services we offer at our Sandy, Utah, gender dysphoria treatment center include: 

• Individual therapy: Master’s-level therapists lead individual therapy sessions with clients at least twice each week. In these sessions, clients have a chance to meet one-on-one with a caring, compassionate professional who can help them process their experiences and the struggles they’re facing. This is a great time for clients to receive support as they navigate their time in treatment while also having an opportunity to celebrate successes. 

• Group therapy: Program managers, master’s-level therapists, and behavioral health technicians lead group therapy sessions at least four times each day. During these group therapy sessions, clients may discuss a number of different topics, including coping skills, self-esteem, healthy boundaries, and trauma. We offer various types of groups, such as process groups, psychoeducation groups, and gender groups. Group therapy also gives clients a chance to come together with peers who may be experiencing similar struggles, which can help them build a sense of community and remove feelings of isolation. 

• Family therapy: Family therapy can be a beneficial addition to a person’s gender dysphoria treatment plan in many cases. Family therapy sessions are led by master’s-level therapists and offer families time to learn about gender dysphoria, how it is impacting their loved one, and ways in which they can support their loved one. 

• Experiential therapy: Experiential therapies can play a big role in helping people heal. They allow clients to step away from the traditional talk therapy setting and express themselves creatively. At our gender dysphoria treatment center, we offer experiential therapies like art therapy and music therapy. 

To provide our clients with a truly comprehensive treatment experience, our team also offers yoga, meditation, gym time, and nutrition classes.  

Recognizing that everyone responds differently to treatment and that everyone has unique needs they need to address, we use a variety of treatment modalities so that clients can fully benefit from their time in our care. Examples of the types of treatment modalities we use include: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) 

• Motivational interviewing (MI) 

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) 

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) 

• Mindfulness-based practices 

• Trauma-informed therapy 

At our treatment center in Sandy, Utah, we give clients a peaceful setting where they can step away from the stressors of their everyday lives and place their focus on themselves and their healing process. While receiving care at our gender dysphoria treatment center, clients stay in beautiful, spacious, and luxurious executive-style homes that are nestled against the Wasatch Mountains. Our boutique treatment setting is comfortable, relaxing, and inviting, helping clients feel like they are at home instead of in an institutional rehab setting. Clients have full- or queen-size beds that are located in large rooms, most of which have en-suite bathrooms. Clients can also request private rooms for an additional charge. 

If you are interested in learning more about gender dysphoria treatment, we encourage you to contact us today. Our knowledgeable and compassionate admissions advisers would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the services we offer, the types of professionals who provide care at our treatment center, and the amenities available.  

You don’t have to face challenges alone. We are here to help you and support you every step of the way on your journey to healing. 

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Turning Point Centers.