Therapeutic Modalities and Processes in the Treatment of Gender Dysphoria, as Outlined by World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
| Therapeutic Modalities | Processes |
|---|---|
| Psychotherapy (individual, couple, family, group) | Explore gender identity, role, and expression Address the negative impact of gender dysphoria and stigma on mental health Alleviate internalized transphobia Enhance social and peer support Improve body image Promote resilience |
| Hormone therapy to feminize or masculinize the body | Document persistent gender dysphoria and capacity to make a full informed decision and to consent for treatment Discuss the risk/benefit ratio of hormone therapy Minimize the development of side effects and new medical conditions (eg: venous thromboembolic disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension) |
| Surgery to change primary and/or secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., breasts/chest, external and/or internal genitalia, facial features, body contouring) | Document that the patient has engaged in 12 continuous months of living in a gender role that is congruent with his or her gender identity, before undergoing definitive surgery Document persistent gender dysphoria and capacity to make a fully informed decision and to consent to treatment Discuss different surgical techniques available and the advantages/ disadvantages of each Identify inherent risks and possible complications of the procedure, while ensuring adequate postoperative care |