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October 3-7 | Starting at $500Gender Affirming Evaluations
What to ExpectWe offer Gender Affirming Evaluations, also known as Gender Reassignment Surgical Assessments, in a supportive, warm environment. Read on for an overview of the preoperative assessment process.
❋ Initial AppointmentThe evaluation process begins with a meeting with one of our therapists. During that session, we want to get to know your gender story and learn about your level of readiness. Any additional supports needed will be identified and shared with you.
Psychological Evaluation: You will meet with a licensed mental health provider to discuss your personal history, gender journey, and current support systems.
Readiness for Surgery: This evaluation helps determine your expectations, emotionally preparedness for post-surgery, and levels of support.
Letter of Readiness: If you are deemed a candidate, your provider will supply the "letter of readiness" required by surgeons and insurance companies. [1, 2]
❋ Collaborative Energy❋ Expert FacilitationVHC adheres to the guidelines for surgical assessment as set forth in the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care, 7th Version.
❋ A Supportive SpaceAll patients seeking gender affirming surgery at UCSF will undergo this assessment by our team prior to consultation with the surgeon. For those who provide referral letters from outside mental health providers, these letters will be reviewed and taken into consideration when conducting the overall pre-operative assessment.
In all, our goal is to get you to surgery, with a minimum of barriers or gatekeeping, and support a positive and satisfactory surgical outcome.
Learn more about Ida Hammer, MSW, who oversees the assessment process.
Reconnect with your body and mind as you escape the noise of everyday life.
Day OneArrive & Meet
As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
Day TwoSet Intentions & Reflect
Together, we pause to consider our goals, hopes, and direction. This is about aligning with ourselves and with the journey ahead. This is a chance to reconnect with what brought you here—your questions, your hopes, your turning points—and consider how they’ve shifted or deepened.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
Day ThreeLook Forward & Wrap Up
We explore the possibilities beyond this moment, making space for growth, action, and forward momentum. As we end our time together, we honor the experience, the growth, and the connections made along the way.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
How It Works-
Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host events year-round in all different locations and climates.
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Sign up and pay all required fees to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the retreat start to receive a 50% refund.
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After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.
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We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.
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Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.