Gender Affirming Surgery and Hormone Letters

Why is this a thing?

  • Unfortunately our healthcare system is extremely transphobic (among other things) and many doctors/surgeons/insurance companies require that you have a letter of approval from a mental health professional before you can receive things like surgery, hormones, and puberty blockers.

  • I do not believe this is a just practice and it undermines people’s right to make their own choices about what they need to live their best lives. 

  • I am committed to playing my part in subverting this unfair system by offering these letters to people seeking gender-affirming healthcare at no cost to you. 

  • To learn more about my commitment to this cause you can visit: https://thegalap.org/Provider-Pledge

Do I Need a Letter?

  • The answer is: check with your doctor and insurance company for more information before seeking out a letter from me.

  • Many doctors DO require a letter from a mental health therapist in order for adults to receive gender-affirming surgery.

  • Many doctors in Colorado do not require a letter for adults to start hormone therapy.

  • Doctors may require a letter from a mental health therapist in order for children to start puberty blockers. They may even want to talk with your child’s therapist about this. 

  • Please check with your doctor and insurance company before you seek a letter as there may be a specific time frame in which the letter needs to be written in order for you to receive the care you need. 

Next Steps

  • First, make sure you actually need a letter for the health care you are seeking. 

  • Gather all necessary information from your doctor/surgeon/insurance company about what they require to be covered in the letter, as well as the time frame they need it by, and delivery method.

  • If you aren’t able to get all the information required I will write you a more generic letter that usually covers all the bases. 

  • You can then schedule an appointment with me by emailing me directly at Jade@Jadecooleytherapy.com and we will find a time to meet for the assessment. 

  • I will make sure you get the letter to you and your doctor within the specified time frame.

  • ***Letters can be rejected if they do not have all the required information. In this case I will edit it as needed. I cannot guarantee the letter will be accepted by your doctor or insurance company. I also cannot guarantee they will approve your services even if they accept the letter.

Fees

  • I am committed to supporting access to healthcare for transgender and non-binary people. As such, I do not charge a fee to write these letters or for the time it takes us to meet for the assessment. (If you are a current client you will pay the regular fee for the session in which we do the assessment.)

What You Can Expect From Me

  • My intention is to make this process as accessible and safe for you as possible. My role is to help you get access to the healthcare that you need, not to evaluate your gender. I am not here to deny you care.

  • I will respect your name, pronouns, and gender identity. I will ask about only what is necessary for the assessment. You will have the chance to review the letter for accuracy before it is shared with your doctor.

  • The assessment can usually be done in one session and the letter may take 1-2 weeks to be completed. I cannot guarantee the letter will be accepted by your doctor or insurance company. 

Resources and Referrals