What to Expect at Your First Medical Visit at the Gender Clinic

Collaborative care planning at the Gender Clinic

The initial visit is an opportunity for us and for you to learn about each other. A medical provider and a mental health provider will discuss your clinical care goals and where you are on your gender journey, and together with you they will come up with a plan that best supports you both now and moving forward on your journey. You will learn about the services offered at the Gender Clinic and will have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss the gender spectrum, and talk about gender-affirming interventions.

1. Before your first visit, our social worker will complete an interview to learn more about you and your family. This visit will be with the parent only for minors and with the patient only for adults 18 years and older.
2. At the initial visit, you will meet with a doctor and psychologist, who will provide education about the services offered at the Gender Clinic and an overview of gender affirming medical treatments. You will have the opportunity to discuss the gender spectrum, where you are on your gender journey, and what your goals are in coming to clinic. You will have the opportunity to ask questions.
3. You will learn about options for gender affirming medical treatments, including puberty blockers and gender affirming hormones.
4. Our team will work with you to develop individualized medical and mental health treatment plans. 
5. In most instances, a recommendation will be made to see a mental health provider. We often refer to our trusted community providers to meet the mental health needs of our patients, as we have limited availability for providing mental health services for all our patients.
6. We will provide resources including a list of local gender therapists; community organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth, adolescents, and young adults; and support groups, websites, and books; as well as information regarding social, medical, and legal transitions.
7. In addition to core providers, referrals may be made to adolescent medicine, adolescent gynecology, primary care, fertility preservation, and/or surgery.