Gender confirming surgeries and assessments

For those interested in learning more about how mental health professionals can (and are required to) support individuals undergoing medical transition, I offer consultation and training tailored to this specific need. I have produced over 250 letters of support for surgery, and written for virtually every procedure imaginable, including vaginoplasty, phalloplasty, top surgery, breast augmentation, metoidioplasty, tracheal shave, facial feminization, electrolysis, gender nullification, and more. For much of the past 2 years, I have been writing 3+ letters per week, and have written for every major insurer in Washington State, including Apple Health, as well as for surgeons around and outside the country. I also work with Manthos Psychological Services to write letters for incarcerated individuals in Washington State. I have worked with patients in very complex circumstances, assisted those seeking appeal, and been involved in legislative efforts that have led to expanded coverage for gender confirming surgeries for patients in Washington State.

I offer individualized consultation to help better understand the process of surgical approval, clarify your role in the process, protect your client’s privacy, respect their autonomy, and advocate for their needs throughout the assessment and letter writing process. Or, perhaps you know some of the essential components of letter writing, but want to discuss a complex case, explore your own ethics and stance in relation to the work, get help with an appeal, or ensure you’re updated to the latest published standards. Individual consultation offers the opportunity to get 1:1 attention to your circumstances and your case, ensuring you have the details you need to write a WPATH compliant letter.

Practitioners brand new to letter writing and preferring a more structured or formal approach may benefit from my Letter Writing 101 training, which can be offered to group practices as well as individuals. In this standardized training, we will cover the history of the necessity of letter writing, global governing bodies which set current standards of care and best practices, how to conduct an assessment, and the basics of producing a letter. I can provide slides, as well as my own templates for client communication, and letter outline. This is a good primer for groups, and establishing the essential facts behind the need for letters, and what letters must entail.

My current rates are $135 per hour for individualized consultation, and $250 for a 101 training (90 minutes).