ETC provides letters of support for gender-affirming surgery for clients residing in Tennessee, Illinois, (and soon, Georgia!) for trans, nonbinary, and GNC adults seeking medical transitions. In order to receive a letter of support, a client will need to complete a thorough assessment with us to explore their mental health history, their present experience, and their future goals related to their gender identity and expression. This assessment is generally able to be completed in one session. WPATH prefers that a person is overseen by a mental health care provider for six to twelve months prior to pursuing gender-affirming surgery, but this is not a definite requirement. Please check with your insurance provider and surgeon regarding their requirements. 

Currently, letters of support for gender-affirming surgery are required by insurance providers and surgeons to ensure that a client meets criteria for a medically necessary surgery and that a client is mentally well and well-informed regarding their medical procedure. Gender-affirming surgeries may include: male chest construction or non-binary chest construction (often known as “top surgery”), breast augmentation, removal of ovaries, uterus, penis, or testes, penis or vagina construction or modification (often known as “bottom surgeries”), and surgeries to enhance or reduce feminine or masculine features (for example, facial feminization or facial masculinization surgeries).

Letters of support are written according to the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) standards and are, at this time, required by medical professionals and insurance companies for gender-affirming surgery. Learn more about the Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8 here. ‍Letters of support for gender-affirming surgeries are generally valid for 12 to 18 months, but be sure to check with your medical provider and insurance company for your specific requirements and further details. 

In order to complete a letter of support for gender-affirming surgery with Embodied Therapy Collective, you will need to:

• Complete a biopsychosocial assessment with us

• Meet criteria for gender dysphoria 

• Display a desire for and understanding of gender-affirming surgery 

• Complete releases of information for other support services such as medication and/or hormone therapy providers

Clients generally receive their letter of support within 72 business hours of the completed assessment.