As an international interdisciplinary, professional organization, the mission of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is to further the understanding and treatment of gender identity disorders by professionals in medicine, psychology, law, social work, counseling, psychotherapy, family studies, sociology, anthropology, sexology, speech and voice therapy, and other related fields.

It provides opportunities for professionals from various subspecialties to communicate with each other in the context of research and treatment of gender dysphoria including sponsoring biennial scientific symposiums. WPATH publishes the Standards of Care and Ethical Guidelines, which articulate a professional consensus about the psychiatric, psychological, medical, and surgical management of gender identity disorders, and help professionals understand the parameters within which they may offer assistance to those with these conditions.