Topic:

Client Profile

Name: Ronny

Age: 16 years

Gender Assigned at Birth: Female

Gender Identity: Male

Setting: Outpatient mental health clinic

Presenting Symptoms

Ronny presents with significant distress related to gender dysphoria, and the following symptoms are consistent with the DSM-5 criteria for gender dysphoria (Garg et al., 2023).

Marked incongruence between experienced/expressed gender and assigned gender lasting more than 6 months.

Strong desire to be of the other gender and to be treated as such; Ronny expresses a strong wish to undergo hormone treatment.

Feelings of distress related to the assigned gender, including discomfort with his secondary sexual characteristics and the rejection of traditional feminine roles and appearances.

Social isolation and struggles with peer relationships due to his gender identity, which has led to anxiety and depression.

Medical History

No significant medical history; generally healthy.

No use of medications before the current mental health treatment.

Educational History

Currently enrolled in high school, with declining grades noted over the past year due to increased absenteeism linked to anxiety.

Reports of bullying from peers upon revealing his gender identity.

Family History

Ronny lives with both parents, who initially struggled to understand his gender identity but have attended family counseling sessions.

There is a family history of depression from the mother's side.

Based on the case, select management strategies you would recommend. Provide support from a scholarly source to support your decision.

From Ronny's case, I would first recommend affirmative therapy. I would engage in individual psychotherapy with a mental health professional specializing in gender identity to provide emotional support and coping strategies (Fey et al., 2020).

Then, I would recommend that Ronny visit a hormone therapy consultation for an evaluation and possible commencement of hormone therapy (e.g., testosterone) to align his physical characteristics with his gender identity. Research by Wernick et al. (2019) highlights the psychological benefits of gender-affirming hormones in youth.

According to the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), providing access to gender-affirming care, including hormone therapy, is essential to moderating mental health symptoms associated with gender dysphoria (WPATH, 2020).

Describe a minimum of two referrals you would make for the client and include your rationale.

I would refer Ronny to an Endocrinologist specialized in gender-affirming care to assess the appropriateness of hormone therapy and provide medical management. The rationale is to ensure that Ronny receives appropriate guidance concerning the physical transition, which could significantly improve his mental health outcomes.

Secondly, I would encourage Ronny to participate in a peer support group that focuses on LGBTQ+ issues. This referral is aimed at reducing feelings of isolation, enhancing social connectivity, and providing a safe environment where Ronny can share experiences and emotions.

Analyze one ethical or legal consideration related to the treatment of a client with your assigned diagnosis.

Ronny's treatment relates to the informed consent process for hormone therapy. In many state laws, adolescents can consent to medical treatment, but parental consent may also be required, which raises questions if parents are hesitant or opposed. Healthcare providers must navigate these difficulties delicately, ensuring that Ronny's autonomy is respected while ensuring legal compliance and ethical considerations (Sharko et al., 2022). Evaluate the potential role of the family in the treatment of a client with the assigned diagnosis. What additional support may be necessary if the client's family is unwilling or unable to participate in treatment?

The family plays a crucial role in the treatment of a client with gender dysphoria. An affirming family environment can significantly lessen the stress and anxiety experienced by the client. Family therapy may also improve communication and understanding. Suppose the family is unwilling or unable to participate in treatment. In that case, additional support may include involving a Mental Health Professional, who will provide support directly to Ronny to help him process feelings of rejection, isolation, and stress without relying on family support. Further, engaging with local LGBTQ+ organizations can provide additional peer support and resources to assist Ronny in navigating his gender identity journey.

Needing help to formulate a respond paragraph to the above discussion with a references.