Best Practices for School Counselors Working With Transgender Students

Transgender students often feel unsafe in schools and experience harassment, depression, and other mental health issues. School counselors play a vital role in supporting and advocating for all students, especially students who identify as transgender. The purpose of this article is to discuss recent literature related to working with transgender youth and to outline the best practices for school counselors when working with transgender students based upon a multiculturally competent framework. School counselors should be aware of and explore their attitudes as they relate to transgender students. Knowing ethical and legal obligations and using sensitive and inclusive language are imperative in working with transgender students. Additionally, developing skill sets and utilizing best practices that are supportive and inclusive are crucial in working with transgender students. With the growing transgender population and the continual development of legislation concerning transgender individuals, it is important that school counselors be competent and prepared to work with transgender students.