The Ever-changing Role of the Mental Health Care Professional in Transgender Healthcare

This chapter critically illuminates the role, tasks, and challenges of mental health professionals (MHPs) in transgender care and cites relevant literature. Various models of professional–client relationships are presented. Realistic and unrealistic expectations of somatic-oriented professionals about the diagnostic and preparatory process by MHPs are discussed in detail and a critical appraisal of referral letters is included. Also, meaning and necessity of cooperation between MHPs and somatic-oriented medical healthcare professionals are emphasized.