A hormone readiness assessment is a clinical evaluation conducted by a qualified mental health professional to support access to gender-affirming hormone therapy, such as testosterone-based therapy, estrogen-based therapy, or puberty blockers.

The assessment explores a person’s gender history, goals for medical transition, mental health and psychosocial context, and capacity for informed consent.

My hormone readiness assessments are conducted in accordance with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care, Version 8 (SOC-8) and current Canadian clinical guidelines. The process is collaborative, affirming, and grounded in a comprehensive biopsychosocial framework.

The number of sessions required for a hormone readiness assessment depends on the individual’s age, clinical history, and specific needs.

For adolescents (under 19), the process typically involves multiple sessions, including meetings with parents or caregivers, individual sessions with the young person, and clinical documentation for coordination with the BC Children’s Hospital Gender Clinic.

For adults (19 and over), the assessment process is often shorter and may require fewer sessions, while still ensuring informed consent and careful clinical consideration.

Yes. I am an approved assessor with the BC Children’s Hospital Gender Clinic and regularly conduct hormone readiness assessments for gender-diverse children and adolescents seeking puberty blockers, testosterone-based therapy, or estrogen-based therapy.

Assessments are completed in alignment with WPATH SOC-8 and provincial standards, and include coordination with medical providers when appropriate.

For children and adolescents, the hormone readiness assessment is a developmentally informed, family-inclusive process.

Parents or caregivers are typically involved in:

• An initial meeting to discuss their child’s gender journey, developmental history, and current supports
• Ongoing collaboration throughout the assessment process
• A follow-up meeting to review themes and discuss next steps

The assessment includes psychoeducation about risks and benefits of treatment, exploration of the young person’s goals and expectations, and careful attention to emotional wellbeing and informed assent/consent.

The goal is not to gatekeep, but to ensure thoughtful, supported, and well-informed decision-making.

A surgical readiness assessment supports access to gender-affirming surgery and evaluates emotional readiness, informed consent, expectations, mental health history, and post-operative support planning.

While a hormone readiness assessment focuses on medical transition through hormone therapy, a surgical readiness assessment specifically addresses preparation for surgical procedures and recovery.

Both types of assessments are conducted in accordance with WPATH SOC-8 and emphasize autonomy, clarity, and psychosocial readiness.