The Letter

[Leanne2]

I have been in gender therapy since September. I've taken all of the tests and answered all of her questions. My therapist told me that according to the standards of care guidelines I am a M to F transsexual. Of course I already knew that but I am jumping through the hoops like a good little girl. My therapist said that she will give me a letter so I can proceed to the next step in the process but she doesn't know what is required. I'm her first trans gender patient. I've always heard about " the letter " but have never seen one. I told my therapist yesterday that I would research this and then let her know what she needs to write.
What information was in your letters? Does my therapist need to include my clinical summary? I want to consult with an endocrinologist so I can begin hormone therapy. Thanks for your help, Leanne

[Kathryn Martin]

I have been in gender therapy since September. I've taken all of the tests and answered all of her questions. My therapist told me that according to the standards of care guidelines I am a M to F transsexual. Of course I already knew that but I am jumping through the hoops like a good little girl. My therapist said that she will give me a letter so I can proceed to the next step in the process but she doesn't know what is required. I'm her first trans gender patient. I've always heard about " the letter " but have never seen one. I told my therapist yesterday that I would research this and then let her know what she needs to write.
What information was in your letters? Does my therapist need to include my clinical summary? I want to consult with an endocrinologist so I can begin hormone therapy. Thanks for your help, Leanne

It needs to address three things:

1. Diagnosis;

2. No contra indication to hormone therapy, i.e. patient suffers from a mental disorder that call their ability to make rational decisions into question such as schizophrenia

3. Readiness of patient to begin.

Mine was three lines long but perfectly sufficient for the purpose.

Great step forward, all the best to you

[Leanne2]

Dear Kathryn,
I was waiting to see if there would be more reply's. There were lots of views with no reply's so your information must be correct. Thank you so much. Leanne

[sandra-leigh]

wpath.org has a copy of the sixth edition of the Harry Benjamin Standards of Care, which describes what is expected in The Letter.

[Stephanie Anne]

A doctor simply wants a short and to the point statement of fact from your therapist stating you are in their care and diagnosed as having one of the acceptable definitions of gender incongruity. I think it is still called gender identity disorder but I hate that term.

I offered mine to my doctor without her even asking. It is more of an insurance that they will not be treating someone with mental conflicts not stemming from physical issues due to gender. As in they want to make sure you are not a nut job who wants to cut off their balls and wear a human skin suit.

I'm sorry but starving a poor girl in a pit to make her skin loose enough so you can wear it is not something I say "more power to you". A girl must draw the line somewhere.

Oh and nobody told me about any tests. I hate tests. What if I fail?

I have to ask... Did you pick this therapist because they were the only ones in the area? DO they know anyone who has experience with transgendered care outside of following written standards? I would be leery of a therapist that makes you jump through too many hoops and does not have resources to provide you with necessities like letters for a doctor.

[Leanne2]

Stephanie,
I live in a very rural area. The closest gender therapist is a five hour round trip away; totally undo able for me on a regular basis. This very nice compassionate woman's therapist agreed to take me on as a client. I have nothing but praise and admiration for her and her staff. We were both figuring this situation out as we went. Thank you so much for caring to write. Leanne

[Kaitlyn Michele]

Leanne -- just reading between the lines, i think you have it all under control... the bottom line of the letter is to give your doctors liability protection...the girls are right ...just follow the WPATH instructions...
my letter was only two short paragraphs long...you don't need to overdo...its very unlikely someone will reject a letter

having a gender specialist is a huge advantage, but when you are stable and good with yourself..its not necessary..sorry you had to take all those tests tho..