Information for mental health providers of transgender patients
Last reviewed
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WPATH Standard of Care (SOC) Version 7 recommendations for hormones or surgery for adults
- Mental health evaluation is required, ongoing psychotherapy is not required, but is recommended
- A person may use hormones or surgery in any combination to best treat their gender dysphoria
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WPATH SOC eligibility criteria for hormones and surgery for adults
- Gender dysphoria that is persistent and consistent for at least 6 months
- The mental capacity to make an informed decision and provide consent for treatment
- Well controlled medical or mental health concerns, if present
Additional WPATH SOC requirements for genital surgery
- Hormone therapy for 12 continuous months
- If the patient is having gonadectomy only (removal of the ovaries or testes) there is no requirement regarding living in their affirmed gender
- 12 continuous months of living in their affirmed gender if patient desires gender affirmation surgery including phallophasty or vaginoplasty
- Ongoing mental health counseling is not required, though it is recommended
Tasks for mental health professionals outlined in WPATH SOC
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- Assess for gender dysphoria
- Discuss gender identity and expression and options for medical treatment
- Assess for co-existing mental health concerns and if applicable, discuss treatment options
- Determine eligibility for hormones and/or surgery and refer if appropriate
The referenced media source is missing and needs to be re-embedded.
WPATH SOC recommendations for the letter for hormones and/or surgery
- General identifying characteristics
- Results and diagnoses from the psychosocial assessment
- Duration of the therapeutic relationship including type and length of assessment and additional therapy if applicable
- Explanation that criteria for hormones and/or surgery has been met and the clinical rationale for supporting this decision
- Assessment of the patient's mental capacity and statement that informed consent has been obtained
- Statement that the mental health professional is available for coordination of care and welcomes a phone call to discuss this