When young people or vulnerable adults are making potentially irreversible decisions on their own healthcare it is important that they have the maturity and capability to understand the risks, benefits and side effects of any intervention that they are considering, both in the short and long term. Some people are fortunate to have the support of loved ones to help them make decisions, while others are not so fortunate. Our capacity to consent sessions allow us to make sure that young people or vulnerable adults have all the information they need to make informed consent on their own. All GenderGP providers of Capacity to Consent Sessions are able to assess whether someone fulfils the ICD-11 criteria for gender incongruence and whether they have the capacity to make decisions on their own health.

This is a session recommended following an Information Gathering Session or a Capacity to Consent Session where the provider was unsure as to whether or not the person fulfils the criteria for gender incongruence, or has the capacity to provide informed consent. It may be for people who may not have all the information available to them in order to consent to their proposed treatment, or there may be concerns that someone who is particularly young or vulnerable may be making decisions that are not in their best interests, or that they need extra assistance on their journey. The sessions are carried out by senior counsellors or doctors, depending on the need, and a chance to talk though in more detail about someone’s hopes and expectations. 

All GenderGP providers of Second Opinion Sessions are able to assess whether someone fulfils the criteria for gender incongruence and whether they have the capacity to make decisions on their own health.