Letter Writing and Assessment for Gender-Affirming Medical Procedures

Join us for an informative 2.5-hour course designed to equip mental health professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary for conducting assessments and writing letters for gender-affirming medical procedures. This training is appropriate for masters- and doctoral-level mental health practitioners, including but not limited to Marriage and Family Therapists, Clinical Professional Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. This training provides 2.5 Continuing Education (CE) credits approved for Nevada Marriage Family Therapists, Clinical Professional Counselors, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers.

The course includes a 1.75 hour pre-recorded video training as well as reflection questions to enhance your skills. Clinicians should plan to spend 2.5 hours total on the course to watch the required videos and complete reflection questions and a quiz.

Training Topics Include:

1. Conducting Assessments for Adults and Minors

• Understand the unique considerations when assessing adults versus minors seeking gender-affirming care.
• Learn how to navigate the complexities of parental involvement and informed consent.
• Explore best practices for evaluating gender identity development, mental health readiness, and support systems.

2. Letter Writing Specifics

• Gain insights into effective letter-writing techniques that support client autonomy and reduce barriers to care.
• Review the essential components of assessment letters, including documentation of medical necessity and client experiences.
• Discuss the importance of using inclusive language and respecting clients’ identities in written communication.

3. Insurance Appeals

• Learn strategies for addressing common insurance denials related to gender-affirming procedures.
• Understand how to articulate medical necessity based on established guidelines, including WPATH SOC8.
• Explore legal considerations and ethical implications when advocating for clients’ rights to access care.

4. Addressing Power Dynamics

• Examine the inherent power dynamics in the assessment process and how they impact client-provider relationships.
• Discuss approaches to foster a collaborative environment that prioritizes client voices and experiences.

5. Cultural Awareness in Care

• Enhance your understanding of culturally aware practices when working with transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
• Explore how to tailor assessments and interventions to meet the diverse needs of clients from various backgrounds.

Learning Objectives:

Demonstrate the ability to conduct comprehensive assessments for gender-affirming medical interventions: Participants will be able to conduct comprehensive assessments for gender-affirming medical interventions, including evaluating gender dysphoria, mental health concerns, and readiness for treatment, as demonstrated by successful analysis of case studies and completion of a post-training examination.

Apply ethical considerations as pertaining to assessments for gender-affirming medical interventions: Participants will be able to identify and apply at least three key ethical considerations (e.g., informed consent, cultural competence, avoiding gatekeeping) in the assessment and letter-writing process for gender-affirming care, as evidenced by responses to ethical dilemmas presented in the training and successful completion of related examination questions.

Compose effective support letters for gender-affirming medical interventions: Participants will be able to compose clear, concise, and effective support letters for gender-affirming medical interventions that adhere to current WPATH Standards of Care, including essential components such as client history, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations, as demonstrated by a letter-writing exercise and evaluation via the post-training examination.

Advocate for clients’ access to gender-affirming care by addressing insurance denials and systemic obstacles: Participants will be able to identify common reasons for insurance denials related to gender-affirming care, construct appeal letters utilizing medical necessity, legal precedents, and ethical considerations, and advocate for policy changes that reduce barriers to accessing gender-affirming care, as demonstrated by a review of sample denial letters and the creation of a persuasive appeal letter outline.

Registration Requirements

This training is appropriate for professionals with the appropriate licensure and scope of practice to conduct assessments for the purpose of writing Letters of Endorsement for gender-affirming medical procedures. It is highly recommended that all professionals conducting these assessments obtain additional training and case consultation in working with transgender patients prior to conducting assessments.

Presenter Qualifications

Laura Baker is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the founder of Inclusive Counseling, Northern Nevada’s first LGBTQIA+-owned mental and specialized health agency. With over seven years of clinical experience in gender-affirming care and LGBTQIA+ mental health, Laura is a WPATH member provider and director of the Gender Affirming Care Certificate Program.

Why Attend?

This training is an invaluable opportunity to deepen your understanding of gender-affirming care practices while earning CE credits. By participating, you will enhance your skills in conducting assessments, writing effective letters, and advocating for your clients in a supportive manner.

Contact Us

Mailing address: 290 Brinkby Ave, STE 205, Reno NV 89509

Email: training@inclusivecounseling.org

www.inclusivecounseling.org

Use the form below to submit any questions regarding the training.