Last Updated on October 5, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
There are a number of assertions made on various social media platforms claiming that gender affirmation care is a single therapeutic visit. We verified the claim’s accuracy and determined that it is false.
The Claim
According to some social media posts, it has been suggested that an individual may only need to visit a therapist once in order to receive gender-affirming care.
Fact Check
What is referred to as gender affirmation care?
Gender affirmation care is a crucial aspect of healthcare that aims to support transgender individuals in aligning with their gender identity. It addresses the health disparities faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals through a comprehensive approach that includes medical, psychological, and social interventions. These interventions may involve hormone therapy and mental health support. It is important to note that gender-affirming care goes beyond medical treatments and encompasses respecting an individual’s chosen name and pronouns, creating a safe and inclusive healthcare environment, and providing support for fertility preservation when necessary. Please note that gender affirmation care is essential for creating a more equitable healthcare system by promoting inclusivity, reducing disparities, and improving the well-being of transgender individuals.
What part does a therapist play in the management of transgender people?
Providing support and care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals is a critical aspect of gender affirmation care, and therapists play a crucial role in this process. Therapists play an essential role in providing mental health support and facilitating the gender affirmation process. This helps establish a safe, comfortable, and tailored therapeutic environment, ultimately building trust and understanding between the therapist and the patient.
In addition, therapists play an important role in addressing ethical considerations when it comes to gender-affirming care. This is particularly important when working with transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) youth. This ensures that the care is provided in an affirmative and non-discriminatory manner. By prioritising ethical considerations, therapists can help maintain the well-being and dignity of individuals seeking gender-affirmation care.
Does gender-affirming therapy necessitate just one session?
No, absolutely not. Gender affirmation care is a multifaceted and continuous process that goes beyond a single therapy session. It covers a range of healthcare measures. These measures are aimed at assisting transgender individuals in living and being recognised in accordance with their gender identity and expression.
Please be aware that by offering mental health assistance, addressing emotional wellbeing, and helping people through their gender journey, therapists play a critical part in gender affirmation care. Additionally, the phase of gender affirmation frequently goes through various phases and might involve hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgery, and social transformation. These actions usually take place over time and necessitate ongoing monitoring and support from healthcare professionals, including therapists. Finally, this serves to emphasise that this psychological care is not constrained to a single therapeutic session.
Hence, transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals require ongoing, patient-centred management due to the unique challenges they face. Ethical considerations necessitate that therapists and medical professionals provide continuous support and guidance to these individuals.
We asked Dr. Sameer Kalani, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, HOD Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Memorial and Research Institute, Gurugram, whether only one therapy session is necessary for gender affirmation. He advised that supporting people who are looking for gender affirmation is a rigorous and continuing process that involves many different forms of healthcare. It is imperative to have a comprehensive and ongoing strategy in order to adequately accompany people on their gender affirmation journey. Hence, it could take more than one appointment to improve their general well-being and affirm their gender identification.
We also asked psychologist Dr. Manisha Gaur, if gender affirmation requires a single therapy session. She cautioned that gender affirmation care involves multiple healthcare elements that call for an ongoing and comprehensive approach. Therapists are essential in supporting individuals throughout their gender affirmation journeys, as it is not a one-time event. The ultimate goal is to improve individuals’ overall well-being and validate their gender identity, which requires an ongoing and evolving process.
Is gender affirmation care considered safe?
Access to gender-affirming care, also known as transition-related care, is an essential aspect of healthcare. This helps individuals who identify as transgender, regardless of their age or gender. A comprehensive range of services, including mental health care, medical care, and social affirmation, are included in the administration of gender-affirming care. It should be noted that eligibility for gender-affirming care and when it can be provided are often determined by evidence-based guidelines of transgender care. In addition, gender-affirming care is provided using appropriate, scientifically proven approaches. As a result, healthcare providers closely collaborate with patients, parents, and other healthcare experts to analyse individual requirements and situations in order to assure the safety and efficacy of gender-affirming care.
Dr. Manisha Gaur also emphasised that evidence-based access to gender-affirming care is essential to their healthcare. This nature of care includes mental health, medical, and social services that adhere to evidence-based standards, utilising scientifically supported methods appropriate for the patient. She also advises that, in order to guarantee that the care given is secure and efficient, health professionals should collaborate with patients and their parents.
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