Date of Graduation

Summer 8-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Program

Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

First Advisor

Michelle Montagno, PsyD

Second Advisor

Hades Romero, PhD

Third Advisor

Conor Smith, PsyD

Abstract

Latinx genderqueer and nonbinary young adults experience intersecting forms of marginalization that can shape their interactions with healthcare systems and impact their mental health. This qualitative study aimed to explore the healthcare experiences of Latinx genderqueer and nonbinary young adults and to better understand how these experiences relate to mental health and wellbeing. Using semi-structured interviews, the study examined participants’ experiences navigating healthcare settings. Participants included ten Latinx genderqueer and nonbinary young adults assigned female at birth (AFAB), between the ages of 21 and 29, who had accessed healthcare services in the United States within the past year. Interviews were conducted via secure video conferencing and analyzed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Participants shared narratives about navigating healthcare systems, the impact of provider behaviors and systemic barriers on their mental health, and the ways affirming or non-affirming care shaped their willingness to seek and continue care. Thematic analysis produced five overarching themes: (1) Safety and Identity Disclosure, (2) Barriers to Care and Negative Treatment, (3) Positive Treatment and Feeling Heard, (4) Mental Health Consequences of Care, and (5) Call for Structural Changes. Findings indicated that participants often approached healthcare encounters with caution, balancing concerns about safety with the desire to be seen and understood. Negative experiences contributed to distress and avoidance of care, whereas affirming provider behaviors were described as protective. Overall, the findings highlight the need for culturally responsive, gender-affirming healthcare practices and have implications for clinical training and future research.

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