5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Gender-Affirming Healthcare Provider
Finding the right gender-affirming healthcare provider can transform your healthcare experience from traumatic to empowering.
I began supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in their health journeys when I was a medical student as a volunteer in a trauma-informed and informed-consent based free clinic. It remains a profound honor to walk alongside folks on their path toward their happiest and healthiest selves.
As a naturopathic doctor, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to find the right provider for each patient and how it can impact a person's overall experience. Unfortunately, many folks continue to have experiences of discrimination and trauma with healthcare providers instead of appointments that are affirming, respectful, and hopeful.
In this post, I’ll share my professional and personal experiences to highlight what I believe are the most important factors to consider when choosing a gender-affirming healthcare provider.
If you're here because you're looking for gender-affirming care in Arizona, you can GO HERE to find more about working with me as your doctor.
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Inside this post:
How to find a gender-affirming provider
Understand their approach and experience; informed consent v. gatekeeping
Assess the office environment
Insurance and cost considerations
Supportive longterm healthcare
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How to Find a Gender-Affirming Provider
Finding a provider who truly gets it requires strategic research, but it's worth the effort. There are many ways to find a healthcare provider who will affirm your gender identity and sexuality.
Search LGBT+ specific healthcare provider directories. OutCare Health and LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory are two really wonderful and diverse directories.
Ask your local LGBT+ center or LGBT+ local businesses for a recommendation. Many LGBT centers maintain a list of affirming providers and can direct you to one in your area.
Assess provider websites by searching “LGBT provider near me,” “gender-affirming care (your city),” or “queer healthcare provider.” Once on their website, look for clues that they may be affirming such as pride flags, listed pronouns, and phrases like “we proudly serve all.”
Ask friends or trusted community members. If you feel comfortable sharing what you are looking for, your friends may be open to sharing their experiences with healthcare providers in the area.
Many healthcare providers offer free “meet and greet consultations” where you can interview them, understand their approach, and assess for yourself whether they would be a good fit for you.
Understand Their Approach and Experience: Informed Consent vs. Gatekeeping
As it relates to gender-affirming care, there are two main approaches to providing affirming care that healthcare providers take; informed consent and the WPATH model (sometimes referred to as the gatekeeping model.)
There are a few main differences between these approaches and finding a provider that most aligns with your desires is the ultimate goal.
Informed Consent Model:
Respects your autonomy, your ability to make decisions that are best for you, and understands that you know your body and gender identity the best.
Does not require extensive “proof” of your gender identity
Provides you with the full extent of treatment options. It discusses the risks, benefits, and current research to help you make the best decision for YOU.
Focuses on your goals and desires rather than arbitrary guidelines and standards
WPATH (or gatekeeping) Model:
Requires you to “prove” your gender through mandatory activities such as living as your gender for a specific amount of time before beginning treatment
Requires you to attend therapy for extended periods of time to ensure you understand “what you’re getting into”
Requires you to meet strict diagnostic standards and criteria that are based on binary thinking
Requires you to follow a rigid treatment approach and doesn’t allow for personalized treatment
Many providers will state explicitly which model they follow on their website or marketing materials. However, if you cannot tell you can ask them specific questions about their philosophy:
“Do you use an informed consent model for gender-affirming care?
“What is your approach and process for starting gender-affirming hormone therapy?
“What experience do you have working with transgender or non-binary patients?”
“What experience or specific training do you have in transgender/non-binary healthcare?”
It’s also important to note that the approach available to you may depend on whether you choose to use your insurance and which model they accept. Many insurance companies are outdated in their approach and do not accept the informed consent model.
Want to hear more about my informed consent approach and whole-person treatment philosophy? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation here.
Assess the Office Environment
While many providers, like myself, offer telemedicine and virtual care options, it’s worth paying attention to the office environment. You deserve to feel safe and respected in the place you receive care, and a truly inclusive environment must go beyond a rainbow sticker on the window.
Key things to look for:
Do intake forms ask questions in an inclusive manner?
Do staff and other providers ask and respect your chosen name and pronouns?
Are there gender-neutral restrooms available?
Is the atmosphere of the office one of respect, dignity, and acceptance of diverse identities?
Does the artwork, magazines, and educational materials in the waiting room showcase a variety of experiences and identities?
Affirming providers will likely be open to suggestions and feedback on how to make their offices more inclusive, but being aware of the current status of their office environment can be an indicator of the quality of care you might receive.
Insurance and Cost Considerations
Understanding your options for gender-affirming care likely involves considering financial aspects as well.
Once you’ve chosen a provider, you’ll need to ask them financial questions:
What are the estimated costs of the whole process, including visit fees, labs, and prescriptions?
Does the provider offer sliding scale fees, payment plans, or other financial assistance options?
Do you accept my insurance? Will my lab tests and prescriptions be covered by my insurance?
If my claims are denied, are you willing to appeal to the insurance company?
For those wanting to use insurance:
If you have insurance, the first thing to check is whether your carrier covers gender-affirming care. You will likely need to call the phone number on the back of your insurance card to inquire about your coverage. Unfortunately, some insurance plans do not cover this necessary care, and out-of-pocket costs may be required to access it.
Supportive Longterm Healthcare
A good gender-affirming care provider will deeply understand that it isn't just about specific treatments—it's about creating a sustainable and supportive healthcare partnership that addresses your overall well-being, happiness, and success.
As such, it's important to clearly understand their role and what services they provide:
Do they only provide gender-affirming care, or can they also provide primary care?
Can they provide preventative screenings and general wellness services?
Do they have a wide referral network of specialists, mental health providers, and other practitioners they can refer you to as needed?
Are they willing to communicate and collaborate with your other current providers?
Ready to continue your gender-affirming healthcare journey? Let’s work together.
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Please note that this post is for informational purposes only, is not medical advice, and does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Please speak to your physician before implementing any changes related to your health.
