12/17/2020 Grand Rounds

Transgender Veteran Care: What Every Mental Health Provider Needs to Know

Speaker:

Jillian Shipherd, PhD
Director, LGBT Program (10P4Y), VA Central Office, Office of Patient Care Services
Clinical Research Psychologist, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Women’s Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System
Professor, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry

In this talk, Dr. Shipherd will overview the unique needs of transgender Veterans. The majority of Veterans are treated outside of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). She will also discuss how VHA is working to meet the needs of transgender Veterans through policy, education of staff and providers, and outreach to Veterans. All health care systems can benefit from the reminder that Veterans are treated everywhere and that transgender patients expect discrimination from us. Together, we can work harder to exceed their expectations and provide exceptional care, without exception.

Learning Objectives:
    1. Describe the estimated prevalence of transgendered veterans
    2. Define the “double closet” for transgendered veterans
    3. Discuss three strategies the VA has undertaken to address transgender health disparities