New therapy group offers support system

Bert Nash offers a variety of group therapy options, depending on the evolving needs of Douglas County residents.

One of the newest therapy groups is for transgender men and women.

“We try to meet the needs of everybody who walks through the door,” said Amy Hammer, Adult Outpatient Program therapist who leads the new transgender group.

The group started in January with seven people.

“This is a group for transgender men and women who may have mental health concerns,” Hammer said. “Transgender men and women have the same needs as anybody who comes to the Center might have, trauma, depression, anxiety.”

Transgender men and women can be a vulnerable population. The suicide rate among transgender men and women (40 percent) is significantly higher than the general population (5 percent).

“I do find that due to the kind of prejudice that transgender people experience that they can end up with anxiety disorder or depressive disorders or problems with acceptance,” Hammer said. “They deal with a lot of prejudice and open hostility from society. I also find that some of my clients who are transgender don’t have a good enough support system.”

That’s one purpose of the group — to offer a support system. Transgender men and women can be referred to the group by a therapist, case manager, medical provider, or they can self-refer. The group is open to Bert Nash clients.

“It can be extremely tough to move through the world as a transgender person,” Hammer said. “I wanted to help my clients who are going through this process to build support systems.”

Her clients agree.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” said a client who is part of the transgender group. “I feel like I’m not alone.” Another transgender client said, “It’s an important exercise in community building.”

Like all therapy groups at Bert Nash, the group for transgender men and women is a skills-based group.

“We talk about coping skills to manage anxiety and depression,” Hammer said. “Transgender men and women are no different from other people.They are vulnerable to the same mental health issues, just like anybody. And we want to help them move on with their lives and lead good lives.”