2024 Changes in WPATH SOC Version 8: A primer for letter writing

Changes in WPATH SOC Version 8: A Primer for Therapists*

"Changes in WPATH SOC Version 8" training will give therapists an overview of what changes in WPATH's Standards of Care 8 impact letter writing, what to expect in letter writing in the future, and ways to incorporate the new standards into your letter- writing process. You will walk away from this training with sample letters, a sample letter addendum, and a thorough bibliography. This training is also eligible for 1 CEU .**

The information presented in this workshop is drawn from research (some of which is noted below) and the experience of our clinical work at TCS. TCS’s practices are guided by community wisdom- this includes consulting with paid community members and including community in the participating trainers.

Cost:

W e hope to keep the cost of this training affordable so that more clinicians can build the tools necessary to serve Queer and Trans communities. Each ticket (including CEU tickets) cost $50.

Schedule:

This course is deigned to be completed at your own pace. Choose whichever date is closest to your time of registration. Upon registration you will have access to the asynchronous training, materials to review (such as bibliography and samples), and course evaluation for CEU credit through the Online Event Page on Eventbrite.

Objectives:

At the end of this training participants will:

• Understand changes made to the WPATH Standards of Care as the changes relate to referral letter writing
• Distinguish between Informed Consent models of care and gatekeeping models
• Identify ways in which an assessment can gather information needed for referral letters
• Understand co-occurring conditions, impact of minority stress (oppression), and reasons an assessment may take more than one session
• Identify ways to receive support if unsure about next steps when letter writing

Trainer information:

Rebecca Waletich LCSW (she/her) Rebecca is the first, and one of the only, therapists in Indiana to be Certified by The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Rebecca is also a certified as a WPATH mentor for others who are seeking certification. Rebecca works closely with the Riley Gender Clinic, and has connections to local Gender service providers, and local community groups for Gender Diverse people.

Kelsey Hug LCSW (they/them) Kelsey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Indiana who has been focused on work within Queer and Trans communities for 10 years as a clinician, trainer and community worker. Kelsey is also a member of Transgender Professional Association for Transgender Health (TPATH).

Host information:

TCS is dedicated to providing quality affirming mental wellness care to gender and sexual minority groups. TCS strives to ensure access to this care and increase the quantity and quality of care providers for sexual and gender minorities in and outside of TCS. Affordable training is one of the ways TCS works to meet the goal of increasing quantity and quality of care.

In all of TCS’ work we hold it to be true that

• Black Lives Matter,
• Trans Lives are to be honored,
• Neurodivergence is different, not less,
• Fat bodies are valued regardless of health,
• and all bodies are to be valued regardless of ability.

To support these values TCS uses its time, talents, and treasures to support organizations, and community leaders, that strive to lift up sexual, gender and racial minority communities. TCS actively seeks opportunities to listen to and lift up voices of gender, sexual and racial minority people in all of TCS’ work. It is also vital the people and organizations that TCS contracts with or supports share these values.

*“Changes in WPATH SOC Version 8” is designed to help already affirming therapists build skills and learn useful techniques for understanding the impact of WPATH SOC8. The workshop is not designed to be a 101 level training. This is for clinicians who already have a base of affirming language, and a basic understanding of oppression, trauma and why we should provide affirming care). If people need this sort of foundational learning/support please reach out to TCS for resources.

* *The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (Behavioral Health and Human Services Board) has approved this organization to provide Category I continuing education for LBSW, LSW, LCSW, LMFTA, LMFT., LMHCA, LMHC., LACA, LAC, LCACA, and LCAC.