Fighting for Coverage—Navigating Insurance for Gender-Affirming Surgery
Medical Insurance
Part of trans advocacy for Caroline was pinning down her medical insurance coverage. I had to challenge her employer to reveal transgender surgeries covered by her policy (contract) by arranging a meeting with In-House Counsel and the Head of Benefits.
Navigating the Legal System—Name and Gender Marker Changes Without a Lawyer
Legal Gender and Name Change
I can’t tell you how lucky I was to have the mentor I met at my first PTWC. She happened to live in the same county in Pennsylvania as Caroline. She took the time to write a seven-page document on how to save tons of money by not hiring an attorney to file the required paperwork for a legal name change at the County Court of Common Pleas.
From Hormones to Coming Out—The First Steps of Medical and Social Transition
Physical and Social Transition Begins
One of the most difficult and frustrating tasks in 2017–18 was finding an endocrinologist who was willing to help Caroline with her 15-month pre-surgical hormone treatment following her decision not to save sperm. I searched her insurance network and called group practices of endocrinologists, one after another, and was told that not only did they not have anyone trained in transgender care, they had no one interested in coming up to speed to do so.
How to Support Your Trans Child, Part 19: Ask Before Acting
As the family of a trans kid, one of the most important principles you can embrace is respect for your child’s autonomy. Transitioning, or exploring one’s gender identity, is deeply personal, and every step of the journey should center on your child’s comfort and choices. Parental support for trans kids is not just about offering love and encouragement, but also about recognizing and honoring their right to make decisions about their identity and how it is shared with others.
Come as You Are (GNC & Trans folks) – Clothing Swap & Donation Drive
Come as You Are (GNC & Trans folks) – Clothing Swap & Donation Drive
Pros and Cons: What to keep in mind when considering HRT
HRT and You: A blog series by Arrive Therapy
Benefits of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) include:
Improvement in Psychological and Social Well-being: GAHT can improve psychological and emotional well-being, reduce gender dysphoria-related distress, and enhance satisfaction with one's body and gender identity.
Physical Alignment with Gender Identity: For individuals seeking a more aligned physical appearance, GAHT helps develop secondary sex characteristics that are consistent with their gender identity. This can include the development of breasts, softer skin, wider hips (feminizing therapy), or a deeper voice, increased body and facial hair (masculinizing therapy).
Key Types of Hormone Therapy and Their Effects
HRT and You: A blog series by Arrive Therapy
The overview:
Feminizing Hormone Therapy: Estrogen
Estrogen: Promotes feminine characteristics such as breast development, softer skin, and wider hips.
Anti-androgens: Blocks the production and effects of testosterone, aiding in the reduction of masculine features. 1,2.
Masculinizing Hormone Therapy: Testosterone 1,2.
Testosterone: Induces masculine characteristics including a deeper voice, increased body and facial hair, and a more muscular appearance. It also halts menstrual cycles
Gender Fluid Hormone Therapy:
Hormone therapy may be taken in small doses by individuals who don’t identify as strictly male or female, resulting in a more androgynous appearance.
Hormone therapy may be taken in small doses by individuals who don’t identify as strictly male or female, resulting in a more androgynous or feminine appearance. 1.
Five teenagers of varying genders and colors, expressing their unique personalities
Microgrants Available for Trans Folks
Microgrants available for trans folks and their families.
Contact us
We do not take insurance.
However, if you require financial assistance. we have options for you. First, not all of our therapists cost the same. Check the Team page for details. In addition, you can submit your expenses to insurance to get a portion of your fee refunded. Click below for a quick guide: