Transitioning Referral Letters (WPATH)
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) provides guidelines to the medical community which is currently followed by insurance companies and medical professionals. One key aspect of these guidelines is the requirement for WPATH referral letters to receive surgery and sometimes for HRT. Currently in Arizona there are some medical providers who will provide HRT through informed consent, meaning no WPATH letter is required. However, many medical providers still require the WPATH letter for HRT and when it comes to surgery these letters are always required. In order to achieve insurance coverage these letters are necessary as well. At GIC we offer adults the ability to schedule a “Referral Letter Assessment,” to explore receiving this needed letter. Sometimes insurance may require two letters from two different providers in order to approve coverage. No matter what the need is GIC therapists are very experienced in advocating to medical professionals through our letters.
Understanding WPATH and Its Guidelines
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is an international multidisciplinary professional association that sets standards of care (SOC) for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. The WPATH Standards of Care states that they seek to provide evidence-based guidelines for healthcare providers to ensure that transgender individuals receive high-quality, safe, and affirming medical care. These standards are widely recognized and used by medical professionals worldwide and insurance companies use these standards to assess coverage. Therefore, GIC also follows these SOC.
What to expect in a “Referral Letter Session” at GIC
All GIC therapists are thoroughly trained and experienced in writing WPATH letters. The process takes about 50 minutes. When you begin your referral letter session your GIC therapist will seek to provide you with a safe, empathetic, and empowering experience. Our mutual goal is to support you in getting your needs met. The assessment includes a casual discussion to gather background information about ones gender identity, history, and life experiences. The goal is to gather all the information needed to write a narrative to your medical provider so that you can be empowered to get your medical needs met. Lastly, the therapist will ensure that the individual fully understands the treatment they are seeking, including the potential risks, benefits, and implications. This informed consent process is crucial for ensuring that individuals are making well-informed decisions about their care. Our therapists can also work with the individual to prepare them for the medical treatment, addressing any questions or concerns they may have. This preparation includes discussing the expected outcomes, recovery process, and post-treatment care. GIC therapists are also very knowledgable and connected to medical providers in the state and can provide any resources needed. After the session is completed the therapist will spend time writing up the letter and can provide an electronic copy to you within a week of your session. Because every therapist at GIC has an in depth knowledge and expertise in gender identity we are uniquely qualified to write these letters, and can provide understanding and empathy to all aspects of this unique journey.
Sources:
World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). (2012). Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People, Version 7. Retrieved from WPATH Standards of Care
American Psychological Association (APA). (2020). Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People. Retrieved from APA Guidelines
National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE). (2023). Understanding Transgender People: The Basics. Retrieved from NCTE Basics
UCSF Transgender Care. (2020). Guidelines for the Primary and Gender-Affirming Care of Transgender and Gender Nonbinary People. Retrieved from UCSF Guidelines
Human Rights Campaign (HRC). (2021). Finding Insurance for Transgender-Related Healthcare. Retrieved from HRC Insurance Guide