A Gatekeeping-Free Guide to Gender-Affirming Letters in Denver
Accessing gender-affirming care should feel like a collaborative and connecting process, and that is exactly what you can expect from Summit Therapy. If you’re searching for gender-affirming letters in Denver or Colorado, you may already know how confusing, invasive, or gatekeepy this process can feel. This guide is designed to clearly explain what gender-affirming letters are, why they’re sometimes required, and how our collaborative, client-centered approach helps remove unnecessary barriers to care. If you are looking for a letter, you’re in the right place!
Why Are Gender-Affirming Letters Required?
Gender-affirming letters are documents that confirm a client is able to provide informed consent for gender-affirming medical care. These letters are often required by insurance companies and are recommended by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) to access certain services.
A gender-affirming letter typically includes:
A brief psychosocial assessment
Confirmation that the client meets criteria for the requested care (such as hormone replacement therapy or surgery)
Documentation that risks, benefits, and alternatives have been discussed
I know how frustrating and pathologizing acquiring a letter for gender-affirming care can feel. We work together to make this process as seamless as possible while ensuring we are complying with insurance requirements and naming readiness for care to medical providers. If you’re interested in receiving a gender-affirming letter to access healthcare, the sections below outline what the process looks like and how we approach it differently.
Our Approach to Gender-Affirming Letters: Collaboration and Connection
When people seek gender-affirming letters in Denver, it can feel like a scary process. Often, folks report the experience of feeling like they have to “prove” their identity and needs (I hear ya!). I’m here to share that is not how we work.
Our approach is grounded in collaboration, trust, and connection. We view you as the expert on your own identity and experience. Sessions focus on understanding your goals for care, ensuring informed consent, and offering support. Our aim is always to reduce barriers and increase access to needed care! We offer:
Letter assessments aligned with WPATH standards
A trauma-informed, queer-affirming process
Clear expectations and transparency around timelines and cost
Optional ongoing therapeutic support, if desired
Our goal is to help you access the care you’re seeking while feeling aligned, affirmed, and supported throughout the process.
Beyond the Document: Support for Transition
After you receive a letter, you are welcome to continue therapy sessions for additional support. I support folks in all stages of transition, whether social, medical, or internal exploration. This might look like supporting clients through all aspects of transition, including identity exploration, family dynamics, internalized stigma, body changes, and navigating systems that may not always feel affirming.
You are not required to be in ongoing therapy to receive a letter, but support is available if you want a space to process. We are here to support you!
FAQ for Gender-Affirming Care Letters
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If you are seeking a letter to begin hormones, please check with your providers and insurance coverage on the requirements to do so. Many providers in Colorado do not require letters and operate under an informed consent model, in which no letter or mental health therapy is required!
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In many cases, a letter from a mental health professional is required when seeking gender-affirming surgery. Please check the requirements from your doctor and insurance company. Insurance requirements are constantly changing, and Hayden does their best to be informed on ongoing updates and additions. However, it is the client’s responsibility to obtain the information that is required for the letter from both doctors and insurance, and to communicate this to Hayden.
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Hayden acknowledges that transgender and non-binary folks face many systemic barriers that limit access to needed care. Hayden collaborates with clients, honors personal autonomy, and works within a harm-reduction lens to make the process the least restrictive while upholding standards and practices outlined by WPATH, providers, and insurance companies. If you would like to obtain a letter, please reach out.
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Hayden writes letters at no additional charge outside of session fees and believes in increasing accessibility to gender-affirming care. The cost of a session is dependent on your insurance coverage. If you are not using insurance at this time, please see self-pay rates.
Don’t Let Paperwork Stand Between You and Your Authentic Self
You deserve access to care without unnecessary barriers. If you’re looking for gender-affirming letters in Denver or Colorado from a provider who prioritizes dignity, autonomy, and collaboration, we’re here to help.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation or learn more about the letter process. Your identity is valid—and accessing care should feel as easy as possible.