Gender-Affirming Care

Introduction

At ICHS, our mission to promote health equity includes offering supportive, patient centered care to individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations. ICHS strives to provide a safe and inclusive environment where patients across the gender spectrum feel comfortable and accepted.

We understand that gender-affirming care is primary care, and we provide gender diverse patients evidence-based healthcare services through a culturally competent framework.

Gender-affirming care services

ICHS provides holistic, personalized care for all patients. Our team of providers, behavioral health specialists, nurses, and educators work together to support your optimal health in an environment of inclusivity. ICHS offers gender diverse, transgender and non-binary patients services, including:

Hormone therapy
Self injection education
LGBTQIA+ informed wellness exams, primary care, and preventive care
Behavioral health services
- Letters of support for gender-affirming surgeries and procedures
- Counseling for LGBTQIA+ and gender identity concerns
Sexual health promotion, including:
- Access to HIV PrEP and DoxyPEP
- HIV/STI testing and treatment
- Hepatitis B and C testing and treatment
- Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)
- Contraception
- Medical referrals for gender-affirming procedures or treatments not offered at ICHS

Is hormone therapy right for me?

Gender is a spectrum, impacted by a person’s unique identity and cultural background. Every person’s journey of gender expression is different. Some individuals use gender-affirming hormones to support physical changes that help their body match their gender identity. These medications include masculinizing hormones like testosterone and feminizing hormones like estrogen. While not every gender diverse person uses hormone therapy, some patients find hormone therapy to be an important and helpful aspect of their health care.

To learn more about hormone therapy and gender-affirming care, you can schedule an appointment with one of the providers listed below.

Cost of care

As a federally qualified health center, ICHS is dedicated to providing affordable care to everyone and will not deny medical services, including gender-affirming care, based on your ability to pay or insurance status. Our clinics accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance providers.

If you are uninsured or underinsured, there are options for payment, including a sliding-scale discount. Sliding-scale fees are based on income, household size, and insurance.

Washington state law prohibits discrimination from insurance providers based on gender identity, including exclusions or limitations on medically necessary gender-affirming care. Our eligibility and billing specialists are here to help. If you have questions related to cost or insurance coverage, please call the ICHS patient billing services team.