Towards a Collaborative Model for Transgender Health

Challenge

Numerous studies have reported on the shortage of professionals available who possess the skills needed to welcome and serve transgender (trans) individuals.

Need

Recent studies have identified the urgent need for action when trans individuals decide they are ready to begin a transition process. The lack of resources in the healthcare system contributes significantly to the suffering associated with gender dysphoria. The most critical training and sensitization needs are in the health and social services and education. Trans lives remain misunderstood by professionals mandated to welcome and support these populations.

Duration of training

20 hours recognized by the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ) for continuing education credits

Objectives

1. Adapt one’s practice to respond to specific issues affecting transgender people.
2. Assess gender dysphoria and support transgender individuals who wish to transition.

Content

• Definitions and basic concepts

• Transgender identities
  • The importance of developing cultural competence/sensitivity
  • Historical and anthropological perspectives
  • Epidemiological Considerations
  • Transgender identity and the deconstruction of gender norms

• The impact of minority stress

• Assessment of gender dysphoria
  • Criteria for DSM -5
  • Differential Diagnosis

• The assessment of needs related to transition
  • Defining “informed consent” in a mental health setting
  • Challenges associated with “coming -out ”
    • Trans parenting
    • Impact on children of having a parent who is trans
  • The importance of the WPATH Standards of Care
    • Social transition
    • Medical transition
    • Hormone therapy
    • Surgeries

• Record keeping

• Letters of Recommendation
  • Hormone therapy
  • Surgeries

• Management of concomitant psychiatric issues

• The role of the family physician
  • Assessment
  • Initiation and management of hormone therapy
  • Physical examination of trans individuals

• Counselling
  • Individuals
  • Couples
  • Preparing for transition
  • Management of grief and expectations

Teaching Method

Lecture, first-person accounts, and case studies.

Certification

A certificate of participation will be issued to attendees. The certificate will state the number of hours of participation.