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  • Current: Facial hair removal - Mental health professional checklist

Facial hair removal - Mental health professional checklist

Use this checklist to ensure that each element is included in your letter. Use language that is client specific; do not simply copy this checklist.


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Identification of the procedure and diagnosis

Per WPATH Standards of Care p. 28:

  • The client’s general identifying characteristics
  • The duration of the mental health professional’s relationship with the client, including the type of evaluation and therapy or counseling to date
  • Results of the client’s psychosocial assessment, including any diagnoses
  • Procedure needed

Narrative account of gender dysphoria

  • Show “Persistent, well-documented gender dysphoria” (SOC p. 59)
  • Narrative of the person’s trans history, including hormone use. If no hormone use, explain why that is clinically appropriate for that person.
  • Narrative of gender dysphoria symptoms
  • Note any history of gender-related depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidality, etc.

Comment on facial-hair-specific symptoms you are aware of such as

  • Dysphoria specifically related to the facial hair
  • Using makeup to hide beard shadow
  • Describe specific examples of impairment due to the facial hair (how they are limited presently socially, school, physically, etc.)

Capacity to make a fully informed decision and to consent for treatment

  • Patient has capacity to make a fully informed decision
  • Patient has provided informed consent for hair removal

Statement of medical necessity

  • Indicate if you recommend permanent hair removal
  • If you find it to be accurate, use the phrase “medically necessary,” which is defined in insurance policies simply to mean clinically appropriate care to treat a condition in accordance with generally recognized standards of care
  • That hair removal is performed to treat gender dysphoria
  • Indicate if hair removal will help to alleviate the person’s gender dysphoria

State the qualifications of the provider

Discuss your credentials as applicable. Omit things that do not apply.
  • Education and degree
  • Licensure
  • Length of time & experience working with/diagnosing trans patients
  • Number/percentage of trans patients seen, if a significant part of your practice
  • Continuing education in the assessment and treatment of gender dysphoria;
  • Relevant professional associations
  • Relevant publications
  • Relevant trainings given, courses taught
  • Consider attaching CV if a specialist

If you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone].

Sincerely,

Signature
Provider’s Name
Licensing information

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Updated on Nov 20, 2020

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