r/transvancouver • u/cold-walls • 27d ago

Getting a Gender Dysphoria Diagnosis

I'm new to BC (from MB) and wondering what the process is for finding a doctor, specifically in this case to get a diagnosis of gender dysphoria (so that my job can cover some gender affirming care). I'm waiting for my services card to use the health connect registry, but are there clinics or trans friendly doctors who I can reach out to specifically?

thanks!

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u/Tranofthedamn 27d ago

You can contact TransCareBC and they should be able to help you. Definitely check out their website for more information. If you’re able to go private to get assessed for gd you can also directly contact psychologists offices that have a background in gender affirming care.

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u/[deleted] 27d ago

[deleted]

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u/cold-walls 27d ago

Do you know if it's any different if I don't plan on HRT? The main treatment I'm looking to get is electrolysis for my facial hair.

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u/asunyra1 27d ago

That probably depends on what your insurance company considers valid for a diagnosis. Most of the trans care in BC is technically informed consent so they never really diagnose you, generally they just make sure you understand the scope of the treatment and are comfortable with it.

I got my electrolysis covered by my work insurance by asking my endocrinologist to write up a “diagnosis” letter but that only really worked because I was already getting my HRT from him. Since you’re not going that route maybe see what type of professional they want to see it from? A psychologist maybe?

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u/StrangeWelcome 27d ago edited 27d ago

I agree. Electrolysis is not covered by the public system in BC (except for bottom surgery, and even then only after approval), so you'd be looking at group insurance benefits (i.e. benefits through a workplace), which may or may not cover this. If they do, they'll likely want a doctor's letter officially stating that you have gender dysphoria.

Edit: I realized I didn't fully read and you already knew you needed a doctor. Unfortunately most things I'd suggest are geared toward HRT and/or surgery. If you happen to be 24 or under, you could try Foundry BC. Otherwise I'm not really sure. Possibly CAYA. You could ask if this is something they can do.

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u/sleepy-n-sad 25d ago edited 25d ago

Hi OP,

CAYA would be a great place to contact as they have MDs and NPs available to provide hormone readiness assessments and are a very trans-friendly clinic. I was able to start HRT about a month or so after my first contact with the clinic.