Gender affirming care

At the Therapy Hub, we are committed to supporting all trans and gender diverse people to access holistic, gender-affirming care, wherever you are on your journey, and whatever your social, legal or medical affirmation goals might be. While medical affirmation is not always desired or sought, it is well established that access to timely medical affirmation is an important step for some people, and leads to better mental health outcomes and a reduction in gender dysphoria.

Below is some information about how to access care, and how we might be able to support you at The Therapy Hub.

Gender affirming hormones

Most people over the age of 18 can be prescribed gender-affirming hormones under an Informed Consent model, which means they do not need to see a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can simply book in with a knowledgeable GP and discuss their options.

Some GP options include:  Eleanor Clinic, Northside Clinic, Equinox Gender Diverse Health Centre, Prahran Market Clinic, TG Health Clinic, , Ballarat Community Health , Trans and Gender Diverse Community Health Services in Preston and Turn the Corner.

You can also search through the list of GPs listed on the AusPATH website: https://auspath.org.au/providers/

You can read more about the informed consent model here:  https://auspath.org.au/2022/03/31/https-auspath-org-au-wp-content-uploads-2024-06-auspath_informed-consent-guidelines_digi_2024_rlv01-pdf/

Gender Affirming Surgeries

For some people, surgeries are a crucial part of how they affirm their gender. Gender affirming surgeries can include top surgery or breast augmentation, facial surgery, tracheal shaves, vaginoplasty or orchidectomy. Most surgeons will need a readiness referral (sometimes called a WPATH assessment) from a mental health provider stating that you are able to consent, and that the intervention is right for you. Reconstructive genital surgeries often require two letters of support.

Our clinical psychologist Maddy offers WPATH assessments for people seeking gender-affirming surgeries, delivered in line with the WPATH standards of care version 8. 

The purpose of a WPATH assessment is never to question your identity or block access to vital healthcare, and we aim to ensure the process identity-affirming, trauma informed and as accessible and streamlined as possible. We understand that every individual’s goals and journeys are different, and respect your agency to make your decisions about your own healthcare.

A WPATH assessment generally takes 2-3 appointments and covers topics including;

• Your current living situation and demographic information
• Your gender journey including social and medical affirmation history
• Your goals and expectations for surgery including type of surgery
• Confirming diagnosis of ‘Gender Dysphoria’ (this is a requirement)
• Checking your understanding of the benefits, risks and outcomes of surgery
• Your understanding of recovery and support network around you
• Your mental health history and supports

WPATH assessments generally take 2-3 appointments (priced at Maddy’s usual session rate of $240 per hour), with a letter provided to you following the assessment sessions, which is billed at $240. The length of assessment will differ based on your individual goals and any aspects of your physical or mental health history that might take a bit longer to cover.

Sessions can be done in person or via telehealth.

Generally, surgeons ask for letters to be completed within 3 months of a surgery date.

Cost:

2 sessions, including letter =   $720

3 sessions, including letter = $960

Unfortunately, there are no Medicare rebates for assessments.

For young people under the age of 18

Young people can access gender-affirming medical care in Australia, in line with the Australian Standards of Care and Treatment Guidelines for Trans and Gender Diverse Children and Adolescents.

The Royal Children’s Hospital Gender Service

The Gender Service is a multidisciplinary specialist service which accepts new referrals from across Victoria for any child or adolescent up to the age of 16. A referral to the Gender Service from a General Practitioner (GP) or Paediatrician is required. Unfortunately, the waitlist is significant. You can read more about the Gender Service here.

Orygen Trans and Gender Diverse Service (TGD)

People between the ages of 12 – 25 years can also be referred to the Orygen Trans and Gender Diverse Service (TGD), which is a new service which runs out of Melton, Sunshine, Craigieburn, Glenroy, Werribee headspace centres. They provide multidisciplinary support to young people, with a smaller waitlist. You can self-refer by calling up the headspace centres above. You can read more here.

Non-medical support

For young people wanting support with their gender, including exploring their gender or support with social or legal affirmation, they can start the journey with an affirming mental health clinician such as a psychologist, counsellor or mental health social worker.

We have gender-affirming clinicians at the Therapy Hub, so please reach out to make an appointment. You can also search through the list of providers on the AusPATH website: https://auspath.org.au/providers/

Helpful Links:

Australian Standards of Care: click here

WPATH guidelines: click here

Transhub: click here

The Royal Children’s Hospital Gender Service: click here

Transcend: click here