Gender Diverse Care

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.

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.

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.

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 

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.

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. 

• Learn more about CAPS Chat now

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.