HORMONE ASSESSMENTS 

Conducting a psychological evaluation for the purpose of beginning hormone treatment is designed to be useful both for the client and for any medical practitioners from whom you may request gender-related treatment in the future. The report that is created may also prove useful if you wish to access care in other provinces, or even other countries.  I maintain copies of all assessments and can fax them to anyone you choose with your written consent.  

CRITERIA FOR HORMONE THERAPY 

The primary purpose of the hormone assessment is to ensure that the person meets the requirements for hormone treatment as outlined in the WPATH Standards of care, namely:  

• Persistent, well-documented gender dysphoria
• Capacity to make a fully informed decision and to consent to treatment
• Age of majority (for those below that age, the approach is tailored to the individual situation).
• If significant medical or mental health concerns are present, they must be reasonably well controlled.   

Please note that the presence of co-existing mental health concerns is not necessarily a barrier to hormone treatment. Rather, these concerns need to be managed prior to or concurrent with treatment of gender dysphoria.

MEDICAL REFERRALS 

If you have a family physician, sending the report to that person keeps them involved in your process and also educates them with regards to your gender dysphoria and the treatment process.  In my report, I ask the physician to make a referral to an endocrinologist with experience in treatment gender dysphoria with hormone therapy. Generally you can expect a wait of 3 weeks between the time the referral is made and the appointment with the endocrinologist.

If you do not currently have a family physician, I can provide you with a letter for a walk-in clinic, and they can make the referral.  However, I would recommend that you find a family doctor to follow you and maintain your medical file in case it is needed in the future.  You do not need someone who knows anything about transgender care, as that will be dealt with by your endocrinologist.  Just ask the physician to take on the role of your family doctor. Sometimes it is possible to use the walk-in clinic for your regular medical care, just ask. 

PROCESS OF ASSESSMENT 

The process includes the taking of a psychosocial history, your gender history, and discussion of the process whereby you decided to seek medical treatment for gender dysphoria. In addition, any mental health concerns are reviewed, for the purpose of recommending supports and resources if needed. You may be asked to complete some brief mental health and gender dysphoria-related questionnaires for an additional source of information.   Generally two 75-minute sessions are required to complete the assessment.  I am happy to review my report with you at a third session if that would be helpful for you. If you have had previous psychological or psychiatric assessments, I would appreciate a copy of such documents. 

ASSESSMENT FEE

The cost of the assessment is $600 in total, which includes two 75-minute sessions, testing, scoring, interpretation, and a written assessment report.  The fee can be paid in installments. Other services, such as support during transition, family meetings, letters for document changes, etc., shall be charged separately. 

RURAL AND REMOTE BC

If you live a good distance from Vancouver, and are unable to access an assessment in your area, a virtual assessment may be possible.  You will need to have good quality internet service, a webcam, and headphones.  The process may be more extensive to make up for not being in the same room. For example, ​I may ask to speak with other people that know you. I can refer you to an endocrinologist who is able to provide telehealth appointments for you as well.  

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