Letters of Support for Gender Affirming Care
In many cases, before someone can access gender affirming care, like gender affirming hormones (GAHT) or gender affirming surgery, insurance and the medical provider/s will require a letter.
Typically, this letter must be completed by a mental health professional. In some cases, this mental health professional must hold a doctorate degree. In other cases, any mental health professionals letter will be acceptable. It’s always important to check with the requesting provider or your insurance to make sure the letter is written by the appropriate provider.
Some call this a letter of support, while others may call it a WPATH letter, and sometimes it’s even called a gender affirming care letter. Despite different names, these are all the same.
Let’s Get You A Letter
I am aware of the long and problematic history these letters have created for the gender diverse community and do not agree with pathologizing anyone unnecessarily; however, I also know these letters are frequently required.
I want to make this process as easy and painless as possible so you can get the care you need. I also believe before any major life event it can be beneficial to talk to a therapist.
I provide letters of support for ALL gender affirming care procedures.
To learn more about the letter of support process or to request an appointment:
Rates & Payment
I am a PSYPACT provider. This means am able to see patients 18+ in all the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
All appointments are 100% virtual using a platform called Simple Practice. All insurance payments are collected using a platform called Headway and all non-insurance payments are collected using a HIPPA secure platform/app called IVY.
To learn more about PSYPACT click here
To learn more about Simple Practice click here
To learn more about IVY click here
Letter of Support (self-pay):
Letter for Gender Affirming Hormones (GAHT): $150
Letter for Gender Affirming Surgery: $200
Discounted rates available for future letters or letter updates. For example: if you receive a letter for GAHT and then need a surgical letter in the future
Accepted Insurance (Florida only):
Aetna
Oscar Health
United Healthcare
Oxford
I am also able to accept the following virtual plans Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts & Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey
Please note: if your plan is affiliated with Medicaid or Medicare, I will not be able to accept your insurance at this time.
Other Payment Options:
For affordable and low cost therapy options Dr. Bartel provides services through Doctor on Demand (Included Health), simply download the app from the app store to get started.
