Trans Health

The information below has been gathered by a dedicated group of professionals to be accessible and person-centered. It is by no means an exhaustive list or meant to answer all possible questions. Please utilize the drop-downs below as an opportunity to get some preliminary information and direction for the next steps for gender-affirming care.

• I am interested in learning more about medical transition for gender affirmation.

  If you are curious about gender-affirming medical care, it can be overwhelming trying to find a place to start learning about the options available to you. Generally, gender-affirming medical treatment can, but doesn’t necessarily, include the components of hormone replacement therapy and gender-affirming surgery. All gender-affirming medical care is used to help you feel more comfortable, so it is tailored specifically to your needs. Generally speaking, you can choose to use all available treatment options (hormones and all types of surgery) or various combinations of available treatments (i.e. only hormones; only surgery; hormones and some surgery), to address your individual needs. Come visit us- we will talk about it! 

  For more detailed explanations of gender-affirming medical treatment options, and what changes to expect, you can visit the following resources commonly shared within the community:

  • University of California-San Francisco (UCSF) Transgender Care
  • The Medical Care of Transgender Persons: Information from Fenway Health's Transgender Health Program (THP)

   

• I want to begin the process to start hormones.
  1. The first place to start is scheduling an appointment with a provider at Olin.  * of note, Olin does NOT require any letters or mental health consultations prior to evaluation by a medical provider.*  
     
     
  2. Your first visit with a provider will likely involve a thorough evaluation of your medical history, as well as a discussion of your gender identity and goals for therapy. The provider may ask you questions about your mental health, sexual health, and any medical conditions you may have.
     
     
  3. You can also expect a non-sensitive physical exam and possibly some lab tests to assess your current hormone levels. Your doctor may also discuss the potential risks and benefits of hormone therapy with you, as well as any other treatment options that may be available. 
     
     
  4. It's important to remember that this visit is a chance for you to ask any questions you may have and to express any concerns you may be feeling. Your provider is there to support you and help you make informed decisions about your healthcare. Overall, the goal of this visit is to provide you with personalized care that aligns with your gender identity and goals for [hormone] therapy. 
• I am currently on GAHT, how can I transfer care to Student Health Services?

  If you have started Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and would like to continue your GAHT while at MSU, we have providers who are able to provide ongoing medication refills to students with a documented treatment plan. Please have records sent to the Medical Records department to initiate transferring your GAHT care.

• I need a letter and/or referrals for surgery and transition-related specialty care.

  Many doctors require a letter from a mental health provider in order to move forward with surgery or other transition-related specialty care. Mental health providers conduct a psychosocial assessment to gather information for the letter of support for surgery. 

  For specialists who provide transition-related medical care, you may look for OBGYNs, fertility specialists, urologists, ear, nose and throat doctors, or providers of electrolysis or laser hair removal.

  For referrals to on and off-campus mental health or medical care providers, contact Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) or sign up for a CAPS Connect consultation at the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center. 

   

• I want to talk to a mental health provider who has training/experience working with TGNC clients.

  We understand why many transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals may want to work with mental health providers who have experience and training in gender identity and expression. Whether you want support in your exploration of gender identity, you are pursuing gender-affirming medical care, or you have concerns unrelated to your identity such as anxiety, depression, or stress management, it can be helpful to work with a mental health provider who has training and experience with the transgender and gender-nonconforming community.

  All mental health providers at CAPS are expected to adhere to the MSU anti-discrimination policy and are expected to provide culturally competent, affirming care to all students. 

  CAPS has providers with a designated focus and in-depth experience working with transgender and gender nonconforming as well as LGBTQ students.

  To meet with one of these providers, you may email them directly, or go to CAPS for a drop-in screening and request one of these providers.

  For referrals to additional on and off-campus providers with expertise in serving the TGNC and LGBTQ community, contact Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) or the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center. Additionally, you can utilize online tools such as Psychology Today to find a provider directory to search for local therapists who indicate they work with the transgender and LGBTQ communities.

• I identify as TGNC and would like to participate in a support group or learn about community resources.

  The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center is a student-centered campus resource that works to celebrate, affirm, and empower LGBTQ+ members of the Michigan State University community. The center provides an open drop-in space for LGBTQ+ students to spend time, connect, talk to staff and obtain resources. Visit the Resource Center Monday-Friday from 9-5 in Suite 302 of the Student Services Building (556 E. Circle Drive). The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center also hosts events, community dinners, educational workshops and programs. Visit their website for more information about how to get involved.

  CAPS hosts a Gender Identity and Attractionality (GIAA) therapy support groups for LGBTQ+ students as well as a facilitated support group for Queer folks of color. For information on upcoming CAPS groups, visit caps.msu.edu/services/groups. CAPS also has LGBTQ+ resources on its website.

  MSU offers multiple Registered Student Organizations as well as Neighborhood Caucases that provide space for networking, events, support, and advocacy for LGBTQ and Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students, for more information contact MSU’s Gender and Sexuality Campus Center.

  The Salus Center is Lansing’s LGBTQ community center and hosts many events, support groups, and activities for the off-campus LGBTQ community including support groups for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. For more information on community resources, contact the Salus Center.

• What are my options for changing my name and gender marker?

  Visit the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center website’s page for Resources for Trans Students. Their FAQ provides step by step instructions for name change in the state of Michigan, as well as the process for a name change and gender marker changes with the university.

  Additionally, the National Center for Transgender Equality provides an ID Documents Center with online information about Michigan law and processes for name and gender marker changes.

• As a TGNC person, how am I protected from discrimination?
  Michigan State University’s scholarly community-building efforts occur within the context of general societal expectations, as embodied in the law.  The University, consistent with its policies and governing law, promotes institutional diversity and pluralism through mechanisms such as affirmative action, within an over-arching strategy promoting equitable access to opportunity.  The University’s commitment to non-discrimination is the foundation for such efforts.
  

  • US Non-Discrimination Laws
    
    
  • For Local and State Laws and Ordinances, visit freedomforallamericans.org/category/states/mi or lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/profile_state/MI
    
    
  • Lansing Association For Human Rights
    
    
  • MSU ADP Policy
• What are housing options for TGNC students at MSU?

  Please visit the REHS website for more information on LBGTQA housing. 

   

• I am a friend or family member of a TGNC student.

  Consider these resources for more information on supporting your loved one.

  • Welcoming Our Trans Family and Friends: A Support Guide for Parents, Families and Friends of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People
    
    
  • Family, Friends, & Allies Information (hosted by Amherst College)
• Where can I find all gender restrooms on campus?
  • Find on-campus restrooms on the Inclusive Restroom Map
    
    
  • Most restrooms in Olin Health Center are all-gender and single occupancy; binary restrooms are on the first floor, with a single-occupancy restroom next to the main elevator.
    
    
  • All neighborhood clinics also have all-gender restrooms
• Insurance

  You may also be considering health insurance coverage for your gender-affirming medical care. Many insurance plans cover gender-affirming care, but the specific details of what is covered and how to access that coverage will be specific to your plan.

  • NCTE website
  • MSU Student Health Insurance Information
  • For other health insurance plans and coverage, contact the customer service number on the back of your insurance card, or review policy coverage.
• Other resources for trans and gender non-binary students

  Please see the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center for more information. 

   

If you’d like to talk with a provider to get your questions answered, contact Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) or sign up for a CAPS Connect consultation at the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center. 

If your three visits have been used and you don’t have insurance please reach out to us.  

Note: The resources provided on this page include some resources developed and maintained by communities seeking these services, not solely developed and maintained by medical providers. These are general guidelines and informational resources and do not constitute medical advice or serve as a substitute for talking to your medical provider about your care options.

Special credit and thanks go to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, University Health Services for providing logical structure and accessible content for underserved populations.