Assessments for Hormone Therapy and Gender Confirmation Procedures

 I provide assessment services for individuals seeking to begin hormone therapy and/or gender confirmation procedures. It may be that we begin with therapy first to address other issues, or even to explore gender identity. We may also begin right away with the assessment. Whether we would start with therapy or the assessment will be based on the individual and what they are needing/wanting.

The assessment I provide follows the guidelines set forth by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) in their 2012 version of the Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender-Nonconforming People. As such, I do not follow a strict number of session requirements for the assessment, just that I gather sufficient information to evaluate the requirements outlined in the Standards of Care.

For Adults

The assessment process for adults to begin hormone therapy most often requires 3-5 sessions. We will discuss your history related to mental and physical health, experience of gender and gender dysphoria, and information related to the transition process. Included in the process, unless we have been working in therapy together for some time, I ask you to complete a computerized multiple-choice assessment of psychological functioning. At the conclusion of the process we’ll discuss the findings from the computerized assessment (if taken), how you meet the criteria set forth by WPATH, and my recommendations in going forward.

For Minors

The assessment process for minors looks different than adults. It is generally longer and involves the family. If you are a minor, or the parent/guardian of a minor, considering hormone therapy or puberty suppression, please contact me to discuss the process more in depth. This process is best carried out within the context of ongoing therapy.