Letters for Gender-Affirming Care
July 2023 Update: The political climate is nasty and a lot of folks are trying to get their care handled as soon as possible right now. I started writing two letters a month instead of GALAP's requested one, but unfortunately I just can't keep up. If you don't see any times when you click on "Request Appointment" it is because I am fully booked for letter writing through September unless someone cancels. October times will be added on September 15th, 2023, and on 3rd Fridays one month in advance thereafter.
Availability and Scheduling
If you are requesting a letter for gender-affirming care, you may check my availability and schedule a time for us to meet by clicking "Request Appointment" below and looking for GALAP appointments with MacKenzie Stuart, LMFT. I offer two slots for letter writing a month, on 3rd Fridays at 8:30am and 9:30am. If there are no slots with me available or you require a letter sooner than my next available slot, please revisit the GALAP directory to contact other providers. You must be in California at the time of our appointment.
Obtaining a Letter
I am happy to work with people who need letters for gender-affirming care like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or surgery. I have written dozens of letters on behalf of trans and nonbinary folks that have been accepted by surgeons and insurance companies.
Here's the process: Once you've scheduled an appointment, I'll send you some opening paperwork that lays out the shape of my therapeutic practice so you can consent to be seen by me and I can learn what kind of letter you need. You'll return that paperwork within one week to confirm your appointment. I use this information to begin drafting your letter before our meeting.
One week before our appointment, I will message you via SimplePractice to confirm our meeting. If I don't hear back, I'll assume you've found another provider to write your letter and open the time up for others so please keep an eye out for that message.
I meet with folks requesting a letter for one 30-50 minute conversation/session via a HIPPA-compatible telehealth video platform. You must be in California at the time of our appointment. During our meeting, we'll talk about any questions or concerns you might have and I'll learn a little about you. This meeting isn't a test of your knowledge or whether you're "trans/nonbinary/agender enough" for gender-affirming care. If I ask you a question and you don't have an answer, I'll offer information, suggestions, or referrals if they're relevant. My role is to ensure you're able to make your own medical decisions with confidence.
After our meeting, I'll complete the letter and send it to you for your review and edits, incorporate those, and send the letter back to you within one week. If your medical providers need to follow up with me for some reason, I'll coordinate with you first and speak with them in support of what I've written. I am available to update letters as needed if your surgeon or insurance company requests edits.
Billing
I am a GALAP pledge signer, and the letter writing process, including our meeting time, is offered free of charge. I won't charge you for our time together because I don't charge people for letter writing, only insurance companies. I will try to bill your insurance if you have it. If they accept, you will be responsible for your copay, but if your insurance rejects the claim, that is not an issue.
