APS
2026 APS Annual Convention · 2026
A Barrier, Not a Benefit: How Psychological Evaluation Requirements Deepen Healthcare Disparities Among the Transgender and Gender Diverse Community
- Savannah Quach
University of Nevada, Reno - Paul Kwon
University of Nevada, Reno - Elizabeth Lee
University of Nevada, Reno
Abstract
Transgender and gender diverse individuals face mental health disparities including barriers to gender-affirming surgery requiring approval letters through psychological evaluation. Our study qualitatively explored whether such evaluations are a form of discrimination. We concluded that the letter requirement for gender affirming surgery is an unnecessary and harmful barrier to care.
