Therapy Letters

[oogie292]

So I know by WPATH standards you need to therapy letters. Do both letters need to be written by a Doctor? Or can one be written by a counselor/ Psychologist? I am having a hard time finding the right answer, I ave read a couple of conflicting things. Thanks guys!

[KathyLauren]

The best way to remove doubt is to go to the source.  You can download the WPATH Standards of Care document here: http://www.wpath.org/site_page.cfm?pk_association_webpage_menu=1351

The letters need to be written by WPATH-trained professionals working in the mental health field.  Obviously psychiatrists and psychologists would qualify if suitably trained.  But social workers or M.D.s could, too, if they have the necessary training and experience.

This has been a source of frustration locally, since some people in the local area who already had their two letters were told that the letters were no good unless they were from psychiatrists.  We had some people really upset that they had to go back into the two-year queue waiting for letters.  It turned out to be a misunderstanding that the clinic in question has since clarified.  The clarification matches the WPATH SoC.

[Devlyn]

We have the SOC right here, no need to send people offsite for it! 

https://www.susans.org/wiki/Standards_of_Care_for_the_Health_of_Transsexual,_Transgender,_and_Gender_Nonconforming_People

Hugs, Devlyn

[oogie292]

Thanks again!

[AnonyMs]

I think you should ask whoever is requiring these letters exactly what they want. No point in getting the wrong ones, or even getting them at all if you don't need them. It's possible to get an orchi for example without letters, and you'd think you might need them otherwise.

[oogie292]

I am going to get GRS. I don't exactly know who is going to do it yet. I'd like to get my letters in order beforehand.

[Barb99]

You really need to select your surgeon first, they all have different requirements.
Mine wanted two letters from a masters degree or higher.

[DawnOday]

http://www.gardenofpeaceproject.org/uploads/8/4/7/9/8479015/sample_letter_for_hormone_therapy.pdf
http://indianatransgendernetwork.com/resources/medical-info/hrt/sample-referral-letters-for-hormone-therapy-and-gender-confirming-surgeries/

  For the surgery you are going to need 2 letters. One from your Dr. and one from your therapist. You will also have to live in gender for a year.      Here are a couple of samples. My therapist wrote mine by the third visit and I started hormones about a month later. Been taking estradiol for almost a month.

[AnonyMs]

I am going to get GRS. I don't exactly know who is going to do it yet. I'd like to get my letters in order beforehand.

Some surgeons in Thailand require only one letter, many others require two.

[Rachel]

I am having surgery by Dr. McGinn. She has letter requirements on her web site. I needed 1 letter just to schedule the consult (about 11 to 12 months now and 4 months for surgery). I had my therapist (exceeded the requirements) and a therapist at my doctors and my doctor sign the second letter. Dr McGinn said the letters were very well done and inclusive.

I express full time and will have 1 year 11/13 with 11/15 operation. I was part time before that. Full time is easier than part time after the initial few months.