The Mental Health Crisis Facing Trans Adults And What We’re Doing About It
Let’s be clear: there’s a mental health crisis in trans communities, and it’s not because we’re inherently unwell. It’s because we’re living in a world that too often denies us safety, dignity, and care. At The Source, we’re creating something different — a place where trans people can show up as their full selves and get the support they deserve.
What the Data Tells Us
Trans adults experience higher rates of:
Depression and anxiety
Disordered eating and body image distress
Substance use, often as a way to cope with trauma
PTSD and complex trauma from systemic harm, not just individual events
And yet, most mental health systems either exclude us or actively harm us. Providers are rarely trained in trans-specific concerns. Treatment centers force people to choose between their safety and their gender expression. Intake forms don’t even have the language to capture who we are.
This isn’t just bad care — it’s a public health failure.
Why the Current System Doesn’t Work
Mainstream mental health services often:
Pathologize trans identities instead of supporting them
Focus on “fixing” behavior instead of addressing root causes
Lack cultural humility or real accountability
Fail to address co-occurring issues like trauma, eating disorders, or substance use in trans bodies
For many of us, care has meant being misgendered, misunderstood, or mistreated. So we opt out — not because we don’t want help, but because the help available isn’t safe.
The Source Is Changing That
We designed The Source because we were tired of making trans people fit into systems that weren’t built for them. Instead, we’re building a system around us — our needs, our experiences, our brilliance.
Here’s what that looks like:
Integrated mental health care for trans adults navigating eating disorders, trauma, and substance use
Peer and provider collaboration — because healing happens in relationship, not hierarchy
Virtual access so care is available no matter your zip code
Community-informed programs shaped by people with lived experience, not just clinical degrees
We don’t just treat symptoms. We support people. Whole people.
We’re Not Waiting for the System to Catch Up
We’re launching because the need is urgent — and we know what works when trans people lead the way. If you’re a trans adult looking for real, affirming mental health care, we’re here. And if you’re a clinician, advocate, or community partner, we want to work with you.
