Trans and Gender‐Diverse peoples’ experiences of crisis helpline services

Abstract

Crisis helplines are typically easily accessible and deliver interventions in a timely manner, regardless of geographical location. The efficacy and user experiences of these services are the subject of considerable interest within the field, but the experiences of trans and gender‐diverse individuals remain unexplored despite high rates of mental ill health being documented in this population. A total of 134 trans and gender‐diverse Australians were surveyed about their experiences of personal crises and of utilising crisis helplines. Within our sample, 84.2% (n = 113) of participants recognised at least one service – however, only 32.8% (n = 44) utilised a service to cope with a personal crisis. Participants cited poor recognition and understanding of the challenges specific to trans and gender‐diverse individuals among helpline workers as a primary reason for avoiding these services, and articulated needs which were a poor fit for the one‐off intervention model commonly employed by helpline services. In order for helpline services to be viable avenues of support for trans and gender‐diverse individuals during a personal crisis, helpline workers must be sufficiently equipped to work with trans and gender‐diverse callers and to facilitate their enrolment in ‘traditional’ mental health services.