Transgender inmates: A systems-based model for assessment and treatment planning

Concepts of gender, gender roles, and gender norms have continuously adapted with the increased acceptance of diversity throughout the United States in recent decades. Although guidelines exist regarding competent assessment and treatment of transgender individuals, correctional environments place substantial restrictions and complications on this process. Recent legal cases have increased public awareness of such cases, including challenges to the status quo of which responsibilities fall under the purview of correctional systems. This paper describes one model for the assessment and treatment-planning process for transgender inmates. This model follows sequential procedures and involves multidisciplinary collaboration to reach conclusions regarding diagnostic impressions and associated recommendations for treatment and correctional management. Case examples are presented to highlight relevant aspects of the model and identify potential pitfalls. Recommendations are offered for how psychologists can contribute to the success of such programs by using a holistic, multidimensional, systems-based approach to the assessment and treatment-planning process. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).