All life transitions can impact mental health, and gender transition is no different. This is why the Temple Health Gender Affirming Surgery Program employs a social worker and a psychologist to help ensure people have the support they need to navigate their surgical experience with confidence and care.
Dr. Jeffrey Grand (he/him), a psychologist with the Temple Health Gender Affirming Surgery Program, meets with patients to discuss their transition, documents their needs for the surgical team, and provides letters of support required by insurance companies for surgery approval.
“I feel honored to be a part of people’s journey. It is unfortunate that some insurance companies present barriers for gender-affirming surgeries that they do not present for other medical needs,” says Dr. Grand. “When we must provide personal information about the need for surgery, we try to be as respectful of privacy as possible and only relay information that is absolutely necessary.”
Letters of support are required by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care (WPATH SOC). While the current WPATH SOC8 guidelines require only one letter for any surgery, some insurance companies continue to follow the older WPATH SOC7 guidelines, which require multiple letters depending on the surgery type.
“We know our patients experience insurmountable barriers compared to other medical care,” says Ellie Wasserman (they/them), Program Manager of the Temple Health Gender Affirming Surgery Program. “We provide support — from referrals to behavioral health — to ensure access to this life-saving care.”
“It is a huge benefit that our program has the comprehensive support to help patients navigate these requirements,” says Dr. Grand. “Still, I feel the patient and their providers are the best ones to determine when it’s the right time for gender-affirming surgery.”
“This is why I help train new physicians to understand the purpose of these letters and the respectful way to support their patients, helping to remove a barrier to what can be life-saving care,” he says.
For patients in other gender-affirming surgical programs, Temple offers mental health services and appointments for required letters at Temple University Hospital — Episcopal Campus; appointments can be made at 800-TEMPLE-MED.
Finding Support and Self-Care
Aside from requirements for surgery, Dr. Grand agrees ongoing self-care and mental health care is important. He recommends self-care practices like journaling and working with a therapist — helpful tools for anyone navigating significant life changes. He also suggests connecting with support groups of others who are going through similar experiences.
For those looking to expand their support system, community resources can be invaluable:
Resources:
● Temple Health Mental Health Services for LGBTQ+
● Temple Health Risk & Harm Reduction
● Philadelphia Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs Resources
● William Way LGBT Community Center
You can find more resources from the Temple Health Gender Affirming Surgery Program at TempleHealth.org/GALibrary.