Providing Gender Affirming Care to Trans and Non-Binary Clients
This training can be completed as a 5-part series or individual sessions. It is also available for homestudy if the times are not convenient.
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This five-part beginner and intermediate training series prepares mental health clinicians to provide evidence-based, gender-affirming care for transgender and non-binary adults. Guided by WPATH SOC 8 and current research, participants build competencies in assessment, affirmative treatment planning, gender affirmation pathways, and writing gender-affirming surgery support letters through practical, case-based learning.
ADAA Member Benefit
Free for ADAA members - ARC Health is pleased to provide ADAA members access to continuing education opportunities at no cost.
Verification Required - Use promo code 'ADAA'. This code is intended only for current ADAA members. Use of this code confirms that you are eligible for this ADAA member benefit. Individuals who are not current members and use this code will be required to pay the full registration/fee amount.
Session Title (Detailed descriptions for each session can be found in the 'Agenda' section.) | Date and Time | Objectives |
Skills, Language & Cultural Competency This introductory foundational workshop establishes the clinical and conceptual groundwork for providing affirming, evidence-based care to transgender and non-binary adult clients. | 9/11/26 11am-1pm ET | 1. Apply key terminology related to gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and gender socialization when working with trans and non-binary adult clients in clinical contexts 2. Distinguish between cissexism and transphobia, and identify how each manifests in clinical settings and therapeutic relationships 3. Describe the 12 categories of transgender microaggressions identified by Nadal et al. (2012) and explain their impact on mental health 4. Analyze the influence of unconscious bias and internalized cissexism on clinical decision-making with trans and non-binary clients |
Understanding Gender Dysphoria: Dimensions, Diagnosis & Assessment This beginner workshop builds clinical depth in understanding, assessing, and working with gender dysphoria across its full range of presentations. | 10/02/26 11am-1pm ET | 1. Identify the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for gender dysphoria and distinguish it from gender incongruence as defined in the ICD-11 2. Describe at least four experiential types of dysphoria (e.g., physical, social, sexual, existential) and explain their clinical relevance to assessment and treatment planning 3. Contrast the diagnostic frameworks of the DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 with respect to pathologization, and evaluate the implications of each for affirming clinical practice 4. Apply at least three assessment questions to evaluate gender dysphoria and comorbid presentations in adult clients |
Navigating Gender Transition with Clients: Medical, Social & Legal Considerations This intermediate workshop provides clinicians with a comprehensive map of gender transition landscape so providers can serve as informed, effective partners at every stage of a client's journey. | 11/06/26 11am-1pm ET | 1. Describe the medical pathways available to trans and non-binary adults and identify the psychological impact of each 2. Explain WPATH SOC 8 general principles as they apply to the psychologist's role in supporting clients across multiple transition dimensions 3. Distinguish between social, legal, and psychological affirmation processes and identify the clinician's responsibilities within each 4. Identify the legal landscape affecting trans adults' access to gender-affirming care and explain how federal and state-level considerations inform clinical practice |
The AFFIRM Model in Action: Clinical Application & Case Study Deep Dives This intermediate workshop moves from clinical knowledge to clinical action, applying the AFFIRM model — a trans-affirmative, community-informed framework — directly to case conceptualization and treatment. | 12/04/26 11am-1pm ET | 1. Describe the core components of the AFFIRM model 2. Apply the AFFIRM model to conceptualize a clinical case involving a trans or non-binary adult client, incorporating minority stress theory and gender minority stress 3. Describe how to support client’s manage distress related to gender dysphoria using evidence-based treatment modalities 4. Identify common therapy missteps when supporting transgender and nonbinary clients |
Providing Gender-Affirming Surgery Support Letters to Adults: An Updated, Practical Guide This intermediate hands-on workshop equips clinicians with the concrete skills and structured process needed to write gender-affirming surgery support letters for adult clients. | 1/08/27 11am-2pm ET | 1. Identify the updated WPATH SOC 8 recommendations for assessing readiness for gender-affirming surgeries in adults 2. Describe assessment and letter-writing process from referral to completed letter 3. Apply a gender-affirming, non-gatekeeping stance to the surgery readiness assessment 4. Identify the core information a support letter must contain to meet WPATH SOC 8 and insurance requirements |