Published Paper Details:

This study explores how mental health professionals in India perceive the influence of gender on mental health concerns and therapeutic practice. Recognising gender as a significant social determinant of psychological experiences, the study examines how therapists interpret and engage with gender-related factors within clinical settings. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed using a structured online questionnaire administered to 28 mental health professionals, including psychologists, counsellors, and psychotherapists. The instrument assessed perceptions of gender differences in mental health, help-seeking behaviour, and therapeutic practice using Likert-scale items. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that mental health professionals widely recognise the role of gender in shaping psychological distress, coping styles, and help-seeking patterns. Participants also demonstrated strong awareness of the mental health challenges faced by gender-diverse individuals and broadly endorsed the importance of gender-sensitive approaches in therapeutic outcomes. However, variability was observed in the extent to which gender is consistently integrated into therapeutic practice, particularly in relation to professional training and preparedness. The study suggests that while awareness of gendered dimensions of mental health is evident, their systematic integration into therapeutic practice remains uneven, highlighting the need for more structured engagement with gender within professional training and clinical frameworks.