How many appointments are needed to complete a Gender Assessment?

Depending on your age, the assessment process can involve a different number of appointments. For those under 18, the full assessment process typically takes 6 appointments, although this can vary. For those aged 18 or older the process may involve fewer appointments, typically 2-3.

Where do appointments take place?

Appointments can take place in person or over Zoom as a video call. We find that most people are happy to conduct the majority of the assessment over Zoom and come to an in-person appointment towards the end of the process. For those under 18 at least one of the appointments would need to be in person. We currently have offices in London, Birmingham and Dublin.

What is the wait to be seen for a first appointment?

There are currently new assessment appointments available within the next 2 months across all sites. It may be worth remembering that only 1 in-person appointment for under 18s is usually necessary.

Is Gender Plus regulated?

Each of our clinicians is regulated through their professional registration body (i.e. HCPC and/or UKCP).

The service has clarified with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) that the holistic psycho-social service we provide, which includes gender, mental health and neurodevelopmental assessment and support, does not fall under their remit and as such is not eligible for CQC registration. If in the future we do provide services which will require CQC registration then we will seek registration.

Our sister service, the Gender Plus Hormone Clinic, is registered with the CQC.

How much do appointments cost?

Our current fee structure for appointments is copied below:

• Specialist Gender Assessment appointments £275/€320 per 1 hour appointment.

• Non assessment psychological support appointments are £150/€175 per 50 minute appointment.

• Family therapy appointments are £150/€175 per 50 minute appointment.

• Autism assessment appointments are £650 per appointment (3 appointments lasting 60 - 90 minutes each). It is £1950 for the whole process and report.

What financial support is available?

In Ireland income tax relief, typically 20% of the cost of appointments is available see www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/health-and-age/health-expenses/index.aspx.

In the UK, although rare, we have had some people successfully apply for an Individual Funding Request through their local CCG/ICS.

Additionally we are recognised by different insurance providers both in Ireland and the UK. The amount covered will depend on the individual plan. If you have private healthcare insurance first check with the company and then contact us with your authorisation number to arrange a first appointment by emailing info@genderplus.com.

Can I transfer from another independent provider? I am interested in transferring my care to the Gender Plus Hormone Clinic.

We are happy to consider a transfer from other providers. Please do share the documentation you have in advance of your first session with us, and your gender assessment with Gender Plus is likely to be shorter, though this can vary depending on the paperwork that you have and your situation.

I have health insurance through BUPA, can I use it with Gender Plus?

Dr Igi Moon and Dr Claudia Zitz are registered with BUPA and can offer gender therapy and specialist gender assessments. Dr Aidan Kelly is registered with BUPA and can currently offer surgical assessments.

You will need pre-approval for services under one of these BUPA codes - GG014, GG019, GG075 or GG077. Please email info@genderplus.com with your preauthorisation code, the type of appointment and the number of sessions agreed, and we can book these for you.

What is the difference between gender assessment and psychological support appointments?

Gender assessment length varies depending on the age and circumstances of the client. For those under 18, the assessment process is typically 6 sessions over 6 months to explore the young person's holistic development across from birth to present day, considering such things as family life, friendships, school life, mental health, general health, significant life events, as well as sexuality and gender development. If indicated time is also given to considering gender related medical interventions. For those aged 18 or older the process may involved fewer appointments, typically 2-3.

Psychological support sessions are driven by the goals of the young person and family, or adult if over 18 years old. These may include exploring and making sense of their relationship to their social world or peer group while considering factors such as sexuality, gender, or other areas of difference. It may also include developing strategies and interventions to manage anxiety or distress related to these areas. These sessions tend to take place on a more frequent basis such as weekly or fortnightly.

Psychological support sessions are different from assessment sessions in that they only cover the time spent meeting with the clinician. If any liaison work or report writing is needed in addition to the psychological support meetings they will be charged at the same rate. Assessment sessions on the other hand have the cost of liaison and report writing incorporated into the fee. 

What happens in the first Gender Assessment appointment?

For the first session with young people under 18, it would be helpful for at least one parent or guardian to attend. The first appointment is a space for you both to ask any questions you have about the assessment process, and to start to build an understanding of a person’s gender identity development.

How do I book a first Gender Assessment appointment?

It’s easy! Select ‘book appointment’ at the top of the screen and select ‘gender assessment- first appointment’. You will be promoted to complete a referral form and, once completed, you can book and pay for your appointment. Depending on availability your first appointment could happen within a couple of weeks.

I booked an In Person appointment - why did I receive a Zoom link in my appointment confirmation email?

Our booking system automatically generates a Zoom link for all appointments, which allows the link to be used if plans change for a family. 

If you would prefer an in person appointment please tick the box as seen below during booking. Your appointment confirmation email will include ‘IN PERSON’ in the subject line.