I am available for gender affirmation/ transition assessments (WPATH assessments). If this is the service you are interested in, please indicate this on the contact form
do i need a Wpath assessment?
Individuals who are transgender or gender diverse may seek medical interventions to help them affirm their gender. Some of these medical interventions require an assessment prior to beginning a medical intervention. I typically provide these assessments for adolescents seeking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and individuals (typically 18+) who are seeking top/bottom affirmation.
What does a wpath assessment involve?
The assessment is a collaborative, interview style discussion, conducted over several appointments. The exact number of sessions changes from client to client but will typically be less than 6 sessions. For clients under 18 some parents/guardians like to have a separate session/s to help answer questions regarding gender transitions. During sessions we will talk about your life history, you experiences of gender development, and your mental health. It is important in completing this assessment that I have a wholistic picture of you, including but not limited to your gender identity.
The assessment is conducted in line with the standards of care set out by WPATH and differs depending on age and the type of affirmation being sought (e.g., hormones or surgery). The WPATH standards of care are available here.
Importantly, at no point in the assessment do I tell you what your gender identity is. Your gender identity is always your personal journey and understanding to reach.
In general, the assessment is designed to explore (i) the impact of gender dysphoria in your life, (ii) the impact of other difficulties, psychological and otherwise, that might negatively impact outcomes of affirmation/transition, and (iii) the presence of other difficulties that might present with gender variance (please see the WPATH standards of care above for a full overview). This does not mean that if you have a mental illness or are experiencing psychological distress that you would not meet the criteria for affirmation, it may just mean that your psychologist will work with you to ensure these difficulties are well managed to decrease the chance they will negatively impact your affirmation.
The assessment also explores readiness for affirmation, expectations, and supports. If required, there may also be elements of therapy included in the assessment. As part of the assessment, and with your permission, I may need to speak to other healthcare professionals involved in your care, family, teachers, etc., particularly if you are under 18-years-of-age. Once the assessment is complete, I will be required to write a report to whichever medical professional is supporting you in your affirmation (e.g., endocrinologist or surgeon).
The assessment is conducted in line with the standards of care set out by WPATH and differs depending on age and the type of affirmation being sought (e.g., hormones or surgery). The WPATH standards of care are available here.
Importantly, at no point in the assessment do I tell you what your gender identity is. Your gender identity is always your personal journey and understanding to reach.
In general, the assessment is designed to explore (i) the impact of gender dysphoria in your life, (ii) the impact of other difficulties, psychological and otherwise, that might negatively impact outcomes of affirmation/transition, and (iii) the presence of other difficulties that might present with gender variance (please see the WPATH standards of care above for a full overview). This does not mean that if you have a mental illness or are experiencing psychological distress that you would not meet the criteria for affirmation, it may just mean that your psychologist will work with you to ensure these difficulties are well managed to decrease the chance they will negatively impact your affirmation.
The assessment also explores readiness for affirmation, expectations, and supports. If required, there may also be elements of therapy included in the assessment. As part of the assessment, and with your permission, I may need to speak to other healthcare professionals involved in your care, family, teachers, etc., particularly if you are under 18-years-of-age. Once the assessment is complete, I will be required to write a report to whichever medical professional is supporting you in your affirmation (e.g., endocrinologist or surgeon).
Costs of the assessment
Assessment sessions are charged at my standard fee $240.00 for a 50 minute session. With a GP referral and valid mental health care plan a rebate of $131.65 is available for each session. There are additional costs for the report and I can discuss these costs with you. Medicare does not provide a rebate for reports.
Assessments can be done face to face or via Telehealth. As Telehealth is available, assessments can be done Australia-wide.
Assessments can be done face to face or via Telehealth. As Telehealth is available, assessments can be done Australia-wide.
Resources
WPATH guidelines: WPATH are the standards of care for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People.
Royal Children’s Hospital: Australian Standards of Care for Trans and Gender Diverse children and adolescents.
Transhub: A digital information and resource platform for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People and their loved ones (based in NSW but a wonderful resource!).
Royal Children’s Hospital: Australian Standards of Care for Trans and Gender Diverse children and adolescents.
Transhub: A digital information and resource platform for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People and their loved ones (based in NSW but a wonderful resource!).