Date of Submission

2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Stephanie Fclgotsc, PhD, ABPP

First Advisor

Elizabeth Gosch, PhD, ABPP

Second Advisor

Alexa Bonacqu1sti, PhD, PMH C

Third Advisor

Katharine Wcnocur, OSW, LCSW, RPT S

Abstract

It has been widely recognized that transgender (trans) and gender nonconforming (TGNC) populations face significantly greater rates of depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicidality than the general population. Despite these risks, little research has analyzed how psychologists are prepared to provide culturally competent therapy to trans clients or what predicts competence in treating this population. This study aimed to identify what factors predict psychologists’ selfperceived knowledge and self-perceived competence in working with trans clients. The study’s secondary aim was to collect information about how psychologists receive education related to trans clients. This study employed a correlational research design to examine predictors of selfperceived knowledge and competence related to working with trans clients. We hypothesized that recency of graduation, exposure to diverse clients during clinical training, engagement with TGNC clients in professional work, amount of time providing therapy at work, and attitudes/biases towards trans people (as measured by the Transgender Attitudes and Beliefs Scale) would predict self-perceived competence and self-perceived knowledge in working with trans populations (as measured by the Transgender Competency and Knowledge Scale). The implications of this study may help improve training related to building cultural competence and knowledge in graduate school and beyond. This study’s findings may also be useful in developing new assessment tools to evaluate cultural competence with TGNC clients.

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