Service Delivery and the Challenges of Providing Service to People Who Are Transgender

TLDR

Speech‑language pathologists are increasingly working with transgender and gender‑diverse individuals, reflecting a growing patient population. This article discusses the challenges SLPs face in both public state‑funded health care systems and private practice. The discussion draws on the author’s 15 years of clinical experience in both systems and recent developments in TG voice and communication work. Service delivery to transgender patients can be highly satisfying but also presents many challenges.

Abstract

An increasing number of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are working with individuals who are transgender (TG) and gender diverse people. This trend likely reflects a growing number of TG and gender diverse patients seeking treatment. Whilst voice and communication outcomes can be highly satisfying for both the client and the therapist, there can be many challenges associated with service delivery to the transgender population. This article will discuss the challenges for SLPs, both in public state-funded health care systems, and clinicians in private practice. This discussion is informed by my 15 years of clinical experience in both systems and by recent developments in the field of TG voice and communication work.