Gender-affirming care is an approach that recommends treating psychological discomfort associated with gender dysphoria by making medical alterations to the body.

This model emphasizes that patients are the ultimate authority on their own gender identity, as reflected in Australian treatment guidelines:

"To nurture affirming medical spaces, it is imperative services understand that trans patients are the experts of their own lives and the final authority on their gender."

This approach suggests that clinicians should accept patients’ self-identification without extensive psychological evaluation. The model cautions against withholding treatment and extensive psychological evaluation, stating that:

 "Withholding of gender affirming treatment is not considered a neutral option, and may exacerbate distress in a number of ways including increasing depression, anxiety and suicidality, social withdrawal, as well as possibly increasing chances of young people illegally accessing medications."

Gender-affirming care is divided into stages of treatment:

Social Transition: Affirming patients' chosen pronouns and facilitating the adoption of an outward expression stereotypically associated with their identified gender.

Stage 1: Puberty blockers

Stage 2: Cross-sex hormones. For males - estrogen, for females - testosterone. The hormonal regime for non-binary patients is reportedly ‘tailored’. 

Stage 3: Gender affirming surgical procedures. Surgeries for males can include, removal of the penis, breast augmentation, or facial ‘feminisation’. Surgeries for females can include mastectomies, hysterectomies or facial ‘masculinisation.’

No Age Restrictions: There are no legal age limits for accessing gender-affirming care (including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries) in any Australian jurisdiction. Treatment guidelines make recommendations, but set no rules.

Gender-affirming care is a model that relies heavily on patients' self-reports.

This reliance on subjective self-assessment raises concerns about the reliability and validity of diagnoses, as the concept of gender dysphoria itself is evolving and contested.

This approach suggests that clinicians should accept patients’ self-identification without extensive psychological evaluation.

In the past, the standard practice for managing gender dysphoria, particularly in minors was an approach known as ‘watchful waiting’.

This approach involved closely monitoring a child's feelings about their gender identity over time without immediate medical intervention. It emphasized psychological support and exploration of identity before any medical treatments were considered.

Gender-affirming care focuses on providing medical interventions—such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy—earlier in the process, based on the individual's expressed gender identity.

The contested nature of gender-affirming care is underscored by growing concerns about misdiagnosis and regret among individuals who transition at a young age. Reports indicate an increasing number of detransitioners who express feelings of being misled about the outcomes and implications of their transitions.