The Mental Health Assessment for Surgery

Assessments are performed by mental health professionals before gender-affirming surgeries as referrals and consultations to the surgeon. The assessments may also be required for insurance approval and may help with patient education and decision-making. These assessments are described by the Standards of Care (SOC) of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). The requirements of the current iteration, WPATH SOC 7, for chest and genital surgeries are described. Considerations for the approach to the initial mental health interview for these assessments are discussed. Recommended content and format for these assessment letters are provided and discussed.