Gender Affirming Treatment (GAT) Pathway

Respectful, evidence-based psychological support for people pursuing gender affirming healthcare in Aotearoa.

Supporting You on Your Gender Affirming Healthcare Journey

The Psychology Group offers a dedicated Gender Affirming Treatment (GAT) Pathway for individuals seeking psychological input before gender affirming hormone therapy or surgery. We provide a safe, affirming and evidence-based environment aligned with WPATH SOC8 and the New Zealand Guidelines for Gender-Affirming Healthcare.

 

How the Pathway Works

Step 1: Referral
You can self-refer or ask your GP to complete our referral form on your behalf. Our team will confirm your details and funding options.

Step 2: Appointment with your Provider
Our admin will book your initial appointments. We ask you to plan for up to 4 appointments; however, generally two are booked in. Your clinician will advise if more sessions are needed.

Step 3: Support Letter
Once the assessment is complete, we prepare a brief support letter for your GP or prescriber.

Step 4: Completion
We send the letter, update your records and close the pathway. You are welcome to return for further support when you need it.

 

What We Don’t Do

  • We do not prescribe hormones

  • We do not provide medical treatment

  • We do not assess gender identity

Your identity is respected as you are. Our role is to support your wellbeing and readiness for gender affirming care.

 

FAQ’s

  • If you are exploring your gender identity, preparing for gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), or need psychological input as part of your transition pathway, TPG can support you. We provide a respectful and affirming environment grounded in current New Zealand and international guidelines. Our clinicians understand gender diversity and will work alongside you to plan care that fits your needs.

  • Your first session is a 60-minute conversation with a clinical psychologist. We explore your wellbeing, hopes for treatment, and any support you may need as you pursue gender affirming medical care. There is no test of gender identity. Your experiences are respected and central to the conversation. If further exploration is needed, you will attend follow up session or more.

  • No. You can self refer, or your GP can complete our referral form if they are requesting psychological input before prescribing GAHT. Many people start by checking with their GP whether they can prescribe under the informed consent model. If your GP is unsure, we can help direct them to resources.

  • No. Gender identity is not dependent on medical treatment. Some people choose hormones, some choose surgery, and others do not pursue any medical steps. We support you regardless of your pathway.

  • We book two sessions initially. Most people complete the assessment and support letter process within one to two sessions. If your clinician determines that additional sessions would help address complexities or ensure safety, they will discuss this with you. We ask you to plan for up to 4 sessions.

  • Once the assessment is complete and all invoices are paid, your clinician prepares a brief support letter for your medical provider. This typically summarises your goals, wellbeing considerations and readiness for treatment, and is aligned with WPATH SOC8 and the New Zealand Guidelines for Gender-Affirming Healthcare. You will be able to review the letter before it is sent.

  • Yes. We can provide psychological input and letters of support for those pathways if required. Surgical pathways involve additional steps and may require multiple providers. We can guide you toward the correct process.

  • TPG is a private clinic and our standard fee is $259 per 60-minute appointment. Invoices are emailed prior to the session and are due at the time of appointment. WINZ and Gumboot Friday funding may be available for eligible clients. Final letters are sent once all invoices are settled.

  • Yes. Young people can access psychological support at TPG. We encourage involving caregivers where appropriate, but we also respect confidentiality and safety requirements. Decisions about a young person’s ability to consent are made carefully and in line with legislation, professional guidelines and clinician judgement.

  • We follow:
    • WPATH Standards of Care Version 8
    • New Zealand Guidelines for Gender-Affirming Healthcare
    • Primary Care Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy Initiation Guidelines
    • Psychologists Board ethical and cultural safety standards

    These ensure our service is safe, current and aligned with best practice.

  • Yes. If you request information about detransitioning or want space to explore any aspect of your identity or treatment decisions, we will support you respectfully. Your clinician can provide reliable information and help you make sense of your experiences without judgement.

 

A safe and Affirming Environment

A safe and Affirming Environment

 

We can receive referrals GPs, other medical professionals or directly from the client.

Click here to access our services

For GPs and healthcare providers
For people accessing care directly

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