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Gender dysphoria refers to the distress that may accompany the incongruence between one’s gender identity and sex assigned at birth. The diagnosis of gender dysphoria does not refer to distress related to stigma, and not all individuals experience distress from incongruence.
Gender-affirming health care services are available throughout the Defense Health Agency at military hospitals and clinics. Each military hospital and clinic has a Transgender Care Liaison who can assist in connecting to local resources.
TRICARE covers hormone therapy and psychological counseling for gender dysphoria.
- TRICARE generally doesn't cover surgery for the treatment of gender dysphoria.
- However, active duty service members may request a waiver through the Supplemental Health Care Program for medically-necessary, gender affirming surgery.
Are you a Veteran? Visit the Veteran Affairs LGBTQ+ Health Program page details about covered services through the VA.
Education References & Training Resources
Military health care providers can access training through the DHA Learning Management System (hosted by Joint Knowledge Online). Training includes:
- DHA-US1177: “DHA Introductory Training on Transgender Health”
- DHA-US1298: “Gender Affirming Behavioral Health Care for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Service members”
Trainings are also available through the Relias education platform. Training includes:
- REL-ACU-0-LGBTQI “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+): An Introduction”
- REL-ACU-0-LGBTQHD “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+): Health Disparities”
- REL-BHC-0-ABHLGBTQC “Supporting the Behavioral Health Goals of LGBTQ+ Clients”
OneOp provides professional development resources for military family service providers including:
- Free continuing education credits
- Blog posts
- Podcasts
VHA TRAIN offers several training opportunities for health care providers to learn more about transgender and gender-diverse care.
| File | Date |
| Instruction: #SECNAVINST 1000.11A, Service of Transgender Sailors and Marines | 6/27/2023 |
| DHA-PI: #6025.21, Guidance for Gender-Affirming Health Care of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Active and Reserve Component Service Members | 5/12/2023 |
| Instruction: #DODI 6400.11, DOD Integrated Primary Prevention Policy for Prevention Workforce and Leaders | 4/4/2023 |
| Instruction: #DODI 1300.28, In-Service Transition for Transgender Service Members (Change 1) | 12/20/2022 |
| Instruction: #6130.03, Volume 1, Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services | 11/16/2022 |
| Instruction: #DODI 6025.19, Individual Medical Readiness Program | 7/13/2022 |
| Directive: #Army Directive 2021-22, Army Service by Transgender Persons and Persons With Gender Dysphoria | 6/22/2021 |
| Interim Guidance: #NAVADMIN 112/21, Interim Guidance For Service of Transgender Navy Personnel | 6/3/2021 |
| Memorandum: #DAFPM 2021-36-01, Accessions and In-service Transition for Persons Identifying as Transgender | 4/30/2021 |
| Memorandum: Military Service by Transgender Persons and Persons with Gender Dysphoria | 1/29/2021 |
| Executive Order: #E.O. 14004, Enabling All Qualified Americans To Serve Their Country in Uniform | 1/25/2021 |
| Instruction: #DODI 1300.28, Military Service by Transgender Persons and Persons with Gender Dysphoria | 9/4/2020 |
| Memorandum: Guidance for Medical Care in Military Treatment Facilities for Service Members Diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria | 3/12/2019 |
| Memorandum: HA Memo: Guidance for the Treatment of Gender Dysphoria for Active and Reserve Component Service Members | 7/29/2016 |
| Memorandum: #HA Policy 12-002, Use of Supplemental Health Care Program Funds for Non-Covered TRICARE Health Care Services and the Waiver Process for Active Duty Service Members | 2/21/2012 |
| Memorandum: #HA 05-020, HA Memo 05-020: Policy for Cosmetic Surgery Procedures in the Military Health System | 10/25/2005 |
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Last Updated: May 17, 2024