Supporting Your Journey
University Health Services (UHS) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) collaborate to support transgender and gender diverse students through the Gender Diverse Care Team. Whether you're exploring your identity, beginning hormone therapy, or considering surgery, the team is here to provide compassionate, coordinated care.
Schedule with the Gender Diverse Care Team
Connect with providers who offer affirming, specialized support for gender-diverse students by scheduling your appointment through myUHS.
AD84 Chosen Identity Policy
In adoption of the AD84 Chosen Identity Policy, University Health Services is transitioning to the collection of chosen name and chosen gender from Accounts Management. Students are encouraged to update their information at accounts.psu.edu to incorporate this data into the UHS health record system.
The Gender Diverse Care Team
The Gender Diverse Care Team is a multidisciplinary team of medical providers, mental health professionals, and case managers committed to gender-affirming care. The team supports students at every stage of their journey—from exploring gender identity to pursuing hormone therapy or surgery.
Students experiencing gender incongruence or seeking gender-affirming care can access:
- Mental health support through CAPS
- Case management for insurance and referrals
- Medical evaluation and hormone management through UHS
The team follows World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) guidelines and practices an informed consent model.
What to Expect
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Students begin with a 15-minute CAPS phone screening followed by a full consultation. Together, you and your clinician will create a treatment plan, which may include group therapy, short-term counseling, or referral to a community provider. Case managers are available to help you find providers who accept your insurance.
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You’ll meet with a medical provider to review your health history, talk through your goals, and begin to explore hormone therapy. The provider may conduct a physical exam and order lab tests. A second visit is typically required to review the informed consent process and begin treatment.
If you begin hormone therapy, follow-up visits will occur every few months. Once stable, check-ins and lab work become less frequent.
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A therapist’s letter is not required to begin hormone therapy. The primary requirement is a clear understanding of the benefits and risks, as discussed with your provider.
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Your care team communicates regularly to support your goals. With your permission, CAPS and UHS providers work together—and with community-based therapists when needed—to ensure coordinated care.
Services and Support
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Counseling and Psychological Services provides biopsychosocial assessments and referral letters for students seeking gender embodiment surgeries and related care. In accordance with the WPATH Standards of Care 8 guidelines, we aim to provide comprehensive, affirming support throughout the letter-writing process.
To get started:
- Call CAPS and ask to be connected to a member of the Gender Diverse Care Team.
- You’ll meet with a clinician to learn more about the assessment process and share relevant background.
- Your clinician may request permission to speak with current or past mental health providers.
- If a letter is written, you’ll have an opportunity to review and provide feedback about it.
- If a letter cannot be completed immediately, your clinician will outline the next steps needed.
What to bring to your first assessment appointment:
- Contact information for your surgeon or medical provider
- Letter requirements from your provider or insurance company, if applicable
- Your insurance provider name
- A list of current/past medications, including dosage, dates, and prescriber
- A history of any prior gender-affirming procedures, if applicable
- Date of surgery or consultation, if known
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CAPS offers group therapy for LGBTQ+ students through the Queer Space group. This group provides a supportive and affirming environment to explore any personal concerns—identity-related or otherwise—alongside peers who share similar lived experiences. The goal is to foster meaningful connection, build resilience, and create a sense of belonging.
Queer Space runs during the fall and spring semesters. Group therapy is a long-term therapy option for students. To get involved, call CAPS to schedule a phone screening with a CAPS clinician, and then express interest in the Queer Space group during the phone screening.
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CAPS Chat offers informal, 30-minute consultations with CAPS counselors. These are free, same-day one-on-one meetings designed to provide accessible support, answer questions, and help you decide on next steps in your mental health journey. No call to CAPS is necessary. Timeslots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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CAPS offers short-term, solution-focused individual therapy provided by clinicians who are passionate about supporting sexual and gender diverse students. Clinicians participating in this care area meet regularly to collaborate and enhance care through a dedicated Sexual and Gender Diverse Care Consultation team.
Individual therapy at CAPS is:
- Confidential – Your privacy is protected; outside collaboration (e.g., with surgeons) only happens with your written consent.
- Affirming – We honor your identity and use inclusive, respectful language.
- Collaborative – You are the expert on your experience; your goals help guide care.
- Short-term – Designed to support your current needs and connect you with long-term resources when appropriate.
Cost & Insurance
- Most CAPS services are free for full-time students. After six individual therapy visits, fees may apply.
- UHS visits may include additional charges for labs, procedures, or prescriptions. Most insurance plans cover many of these services. Check with your provider for specific coverage.
- Community providers may have varying fees or insurance acceptance.
- Case managers can help students explore health insurance options if needed.
Confidentiality
Gender Diverse Care Team members maintain strict confidentiality. Your information will not be shared without your written consent unless legally required to do so (e.g., to protect your safety or comply with a court order).
Our Commitment to You
We’re committed to creating a safe and welcoming space where every student feels respected, supported, and empowered to be their authentic self. Our providers are experienced, knowledgeable, and take a collaborative approach—especially when it comes to gender-affirming care. Through open communication and inclusive practices, we’re here to meet you where you are with the care you deserve.
Community is Care
Having a community of support is a form of care, and Penn State is home to a welcoming and vibrant community of students. Consistently a nationally recognized center, the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity is the hub of the gender-diverse community at Penn State.
