Lets talk about sex.... - Auckland District Health Board

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As noted above the first chapter provides practical and applicable ideas for best practice in all
health settings – which include mental health and addictions.
Relevance to project - relevant, primarily on sexual orientation issues
Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association (2001) The Standards of Care for Gender
Identity Disorders, Sixth Version. Dusseldorf: Symposion Publishing.
Summary
When assessing someone who wishes to transition the nine tasks of the mental health
professional identified in this publication are:
1. Accurately diagnose gender disorder
2. Accurately diagnose any co-morbid psychiatric conditions
3. Engage in psychotherapy
4. Ascertain eligibility and readiness for hormone and surgical therapy
5. Make formal recommendations to medical and surgical colleagues
6. Be a collegial member of a team of professionals
7. Educate family members, employers, and institutions
8. Be available for follow-up for patients.
Specific information regarding best practice for mental health professionals in the treatment of
trans people is rare, and so this is an essential document to inform the project.
Relevance to project – relevant
(In September 2011 this document has been superseded by: The World Professional Association for
Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual and Transgender, and
Gender Non-Conforming People, 7th Version -please see below)
WPATH Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming
People (September 2011)
Summary
This newly released document is an excellent resource which has a section specifically on mental
health. This sections covers:
1. Competency of mental health professionals working with adults who present with Gender
Dysphoria
2. Tasks of mental health professionals working with adults who present with Gender Dysphoria