Holly Miles is now qualified to administer Hormone Readiness Assessments
for adults (18+) in British Columbia!
FAQ:
(Adapted from https://www.transcarebc.ca/hormone-therapy/how-to-
start)
What is a hormone readiness assessment?
A hormone readiness assessment is an evaluation conducted by a qualified
professional to determine if a patient is ready to begin hormone therapy. The
WPATH Standards of Care requires an assessment before hormone therapy
starts.
Why do I need one?
Before prescribing hormones, you will require an assessment for your
readiness for treatment. Many primary care providers (Family Doctors or
Nurse Practitioners) can provide readiness assessments for hormone therapy.
However, not all primary care providers feel comfortable assessing hormone
readiness or initiating treatment. In this case, they may refer you to other
providers, such as a or by a counsellor, social worker, psychologist or
psychiatrist.
As we mentioned above, you do not need to engage an assessor if your
primary care provider can provide the readiness assessment. In some cases,
however, a primary care provider may recommend an assessment from a
mental health provider.
What if I don’t have a family doctor?
If you do not have a family doctor, or are on a waitlist, you can still be given a
referral to an endocrinologist. This can be done by attending a walk-in clinic or
trans-specific health centre. TransCare BC can also provide information or
support with finding a provider. Generally these referrals do require a
hormone readiness assessment by a mental health provider.
How much does it cost?
Most mental health providers are private-pay. There are some public (free)
options for hormone readiness assessment in the community; these may
require a referral. If you have been told to get an assessment from a mental
health provider or if you need information on low-cost options, you can contact
Trans Care BC.
What happens during a readiness assessment?
Some people feel anxious about the readiness assessment. They worry about
saying the wrong thing and being denied treatment that is very important to
their health and wellbeing.
It may ease your fears to know that the focus of the assessment is on
supporting you. Your assessor or primary care provider will ask you about:
● Your gender and feelings about your body, including your embodiment
goals
● The effects you expect to see from estrogen-based or testosterone-
based hormone therapies and effects you would rather avoid
● Your expectations for timing of desired changes and understanding that
responses are individual and are influenced by many factors (for
example, your genetics and metabolics)
● Your health history (current and past medical and mental health
conditions, surgical history, medications, allergies, smoking status,
exercise, nutrition, family history, etc.)
● Your understanding of the risks and benefits associated with hormone
therapy
● Your support network and strategies for thriving in your changing
gender expression
● with family and friends, at work and at school
What is the process and how long will it take?
Prior to the appointment, you will need to fill out a health history form, and to
sign a consent form allowing me to disclose the relevant information to your
referring provider(s). The actual meeting and assessment will be scheduled
for one hour. After the appointment, the provider will prepare the assessment
and send it securely to the referring provider(s) within 2 weeks. The total cost
for the assessment is 300$. Those with extended health benefits for
counselling may be able to be reimbursed. A sliding scale rate for clients with
financial need is available upon request.
PLEASE NOTE: While Holly has completed the necessary training and meets
all the qualifications to administer Hormone Readiness Assessments as per
the standards of the WPATH Standards of Care and Transcare BC, your
referring provider may only accept Hormone Readiness Assessments only
from certain types of mental health professionals. Please confirm with your
referring provider before booking that they will accept an assessment by
a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC).