Gender Affirming Healthcare

Schedule an appointment with Psychiatry and Substance Use Services (formerly Behavioral Health) by calling 301.314.8106.

The World Professional Association (WPATH) guidelines suggest that patients seeking hormones be supported through an informed consent process. At the UHC, patients meet with an intake counselor as part of that informed consent process. At that appointment, patients can expect to:

• Discuss their personal gender journey and what is bringing them to GAHT care
• Share how ready they feel to start hormones, or if they want more time and information before making a decision

During the appointment, patients can expect that providers will:

• Confirm and document a gender dysphoria or gender non-conforming diagnosis (required for insurance)
• Identify any co-existing mental health concerns that we might help you with on site or through referral to a community mental health provider

If you already have a community based behavioral health or hormone care provider, you should plan to bring your provider's name and contact information to this visit.  Students transferring existing hormone care to the Health Center should contact GAC@umd.edu to initiate the transfer process.

Schedule your free Informed Consent & Navigating Services and Care Consultation by calling 301.314.8128.

This appointment is an informal conversation that’s intended to provide you with information and support resources. Students who feel connected, informed, and supported tend to have more successful transitions and report better outcomes. This meeting is also an opportunity for students to ask specific questions about the HRT process at UHC, review informed consent documents, discuss insurance or privacy concerns, and explore campus and community resources relevant to individual needs.  Students are referred to the medical appointment after this meeting.

When Steps 1 and 2 are completed, patients are directed to schedule a medical appointment.

The initial appointment will include a basic assessment, a detailed medical history, goal setting, and bloodwork. Depending on medical clearance, patients typically initiate hormones within three visits. A patient is not required to have a physical at their first appointment but will be required to have one within the first three visits. Your medical provider will discuss your personalized plan to assist you in meeting your goals and needs in a safe manner.

Make a Nutrition appointment.   Email NutritionCoach@umd.edu to schedule an appointment

While it is not required, the Peer Nutrition Coaching service at UHC is a free and complementary service to support HRT-related care. This service includes three sessions with your own personal nutrition coach. The goals of nutrition coaching  are to ensure you are nourishing your body with all the nutrients and energy it needs to optimize hormone therapy and reduce the metabolic side effects. 

The UHC and the Peer Nutrition Coaches are here to guide and support you through transition and beyond whether your hormone provider is here at the UHC or is a private medical provider. This is a free and confidential service.

We are proud that Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) benefits include coverage for gender confirmation procedures and/or treatments. See our Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) for details. The University of Maryland Health Center is able to provide hormone therapy, but is not a surgical medical facility. If you are seeking a surgical facility, please speak with your medical provider or insurance company for referrals. We know that insurance information can be confusing. 

For general SHIP insurance questions, please call our business office (301) 314-8165. The gender affirming care team can also provide community referrals for various gender affirming care services.