Gender-Affirming Letters

What are Gender Affirming Letters?

In order for trans clients to access gender affirming care they are often required to obtain a mental health evaluation and subsequent letter from that provider stating that they are a "fit candidate" for the requested procedure.

What procedures are we able to evaluate for?

We are trained in mental health evaluations for a range of gender affirming procedures, including the following:

"Feminizing" Procedures: Augmentation mammoplasty (Breast augmentation), Facial feminization procedures, Orchiectomy, Reduction thyrochondroplasty (tracheal cartilage shave), Vaginoplasty (“bottom surgery”), Voice feminization surgery, Body contouring procedures  

"Masculinizing" Procedures: Masculinizing phalloplasty / scrotoplasty (“bottom surgery”), Metoidioplasty (“bottom surgery”), Masculinizing chest surgery ("top surgery”), Voice masculinization surgery, Hysterectomy / Oophorectomy, Vaginectomy, Masculinization of the hips and buttocks 

Why do I even need a letter?

Good question! The U.S. healthcare system is rooted in a history of systemic queer- and transphobia, which includes barriers to gender affirming care, such as the requirement for mental health evaluations and letters. I do not believe that anyone should have to prove that they are deserving of access to life-saving healthcare. We know that as a mental health providers, we do participate in the system that has historically denied trans folx access to that care and we hope to use the power of our position to provide increased access to care.

Fees

Pay what you can! 

As part of our commitment to equitability, we offer gender affirming letters at whatever cost feels accessible to you. The value of this service is $200, we encourage you to choose a fee that you feel is sustainable for you and that honors the time both you and your clinician will be putting into writing the letter you need.

Mahina Therapy is able to bill insurance for this assessment process! Please see Fees and Insurance for covered insurances.