Affirming Care Letters
Approximate length of each session:
Varies
Here at Sustainable Wellness, we offer services and assessments for those seeking support for gender affirming care and surgery. This includes gender-affirming care letters!
What is WPATH?
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is an organization that promotes evidence-based care, education, research, public policy, and respect in transgender health. The organization envisions a world wherein people of all gender identities and gender expressions have access to evidence-based healthcare, social services, justice and equality. The WPATH also publishes the Standards of Care (SOC) which provides ethical guidelines for healthcare professionals treating transgender and gender diverse individuals as it relates to psychiatric, psychological, medical, and surgical management. With this, Sustainable Wellness refers to WPATH's Standards of Care when providing services for affirming care letters and support for gender affirming surgery.
What are gender-affirming care letters?
Gender-affirming care refers to the range of medical, social, and legal interventions designed to support gender diverse individuals. While all providers at Sustainable Wellness are able to offer gender-affirming care, our gender-affirming care specialist(s) are able to write gender-affirming care letters to support those who are seeking access to gender-affirming healthcare, including hormone therapy and surgery. Gender-affirming care letters are often required by insurance companies, surgeons, and other medical professionals to demonstrate a client's readiness for and understanding of gender-affirming procedures.
How do I obtain a letter for gender-affirming care?
Initial Consultation
Your first step is to schedule an initial consultation with our gendering affirming care specialist, Danielle Montrond, LCSW. You will meet with Danielle to discuss what affirming care services you are looking for, and what are able to offer here at Sustainable Wellness. During this consultation WPATH Standards will also be discussed and you will have an opportunity to share your goals and ask any questions you might have regarding our affirming care services. Initial consultations are 15-minute phone consultations and are free of charge.
Assessment & Evaluation(s)
Offer Letter
Pre- and/or Post-Surgery Short-Term Therapy (optional)
Pre- and/or Post-Surgery Skills Coaching (optional)
Please note that therapists who provide letters supporting gender-affirming care are basing letters on a professional assessment and not a definitive diagnosis. Along with informed consent and autonomy, a multidisciplinary approach is paramount for such services. At this time, services for affirming care letters are not covered by insurance and are self-pay only. Please contact us for further questions regarding service fees.