Harvard University Transgender Task Force -- Harvard TTF

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Health Services

Gender Identity Team

Currently HUHS has a multidisciplinary Gender Identity Treatment Team that includes a small number of clinicians from Mental Health Services and Internal Medicine, who have been trained on transgender health needs.  This group was formed in order to provide coordinated care between mental health and internal medicine for transgender HUHS patients who may wish to access medical transitioning services.  Students and staff are not required to see clinicians on this team, and are always able to meet with any clinician of their choice.

Currently within HUHS there are clinicians who offer the following services: mental health counseling regarding gender identity and gender dysphoria, mental health evaluation and referral for hormone treatment and/or surgery according to World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care, prescribing hormones by some PCP’s, follow-up care such as checking blood levels during hormone treatment, and general health maintenance care for transgender patients.

Contact Sara Kimmel (skimmel@uhs.harvard.edu) if you have concerns regarding the process.

Hormone Treatment

There are some Primary Care Physicians who prescribe hormones for patients who want to initiate or continue use of hormones for transitioning.  If you are initiating hormones a consultation with a mental health clinician is needed as stated in the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) standards of care.  Currently, prescribed hormones for GID (Gender Identity Disorder) are covered under the HUHS prescription plan for students and HUGHP (Harvard University Group Health Plan) members.  Primary Care Physicians (PCP) can also provide maintenance care related to hormones such as labs to check blood levels etc.

The Harvard Wellness Center has masseuses and masseurs who are also familiar with giving massages that cater to transgender people.

Recommended Physicians for hormone treatment (speak with your Primary Care Physician (PCP) and ask for these physicians):
Dr. Bruce Churchill
Dr. Suzanne Westbrook

Mental Health Services

For students, MHS provides therapy services for anyone wanting to discuss gender identity, gender dysphoria or transitioning.  This service is free of charge as are all MHS therapy visits for students.  Outside referrals can also be provided as requested for students or staff with HUGHP.  There are some staff within MHS who may be able to write letters according to the WPATH standards of care, for recommending hormone treatment or surgery. 

Recommended Mental Health Staff at HUHS:
Sara Kimmel Ph.D.
Maureen Rezendes Ph.D.
Margery Gans Ed.D.
Barbara Gilmore RN
Joan Ford RN

Surgical Procedures

HUHS does not provide surgical services for SRS.  Currently, no surgeries that constitute SRS are covered by any of the Harvard University insurance policies.  Referral lists are available.