Campus Health staff welcomes and affirms students of all gender identities and sexual orientations. We recognize that transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse students have many health concerns that are often the same as all UNC-Chapel Hill students. However, some health issues may be unique and require a greater understanding of transgender and gender-diverse student experiences, or require specific patient-oriented information and programming. Many providers have completed continuing medical education about providing care to transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse patients and communities. Many have also attended Safe Zone and Safe Zone challenge trainings. When you make an appointment, let our schedulers know if you would prefer to meet with one of these providers.
Medical Services
Campus Health strives to meet the healthcare needs of all students – including transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse students – by providing high-quality and supportive care.
We realize that having a provider that you feel comfortable with is important, so we encourage you to request a specific provider when you call for a Campus Health appointment if you desire.
The Primary Care and Gynecology clinics provide general medical care for the prevention and treatment of illness and injury as well as gender-affirming care.
Pap smears are recommended if you have a cervix and have ever been sexually active in any way. Pap smears are provided at either primary care or gynecology.
Please fill out a Health History Form and bring it to your first visit.
Hormone Therapy and Transition-Related Care
Gender-affirming treatment for transgender and gender diverse students/patients at Campus Health is managed through primary care teams under an informed consent model of care. Students work with a medical provider to develop a treatment plan based on the individual’s goals of treatment and any medical and mental health care needs.
Understanding the goals and concerns of the patient is central to gender-affirming care at Campus Health. Whether and when any gender-affirming medical interventions are recommended or initiated depends on the patient’s specific situation and needs. Our criteria for hormone therapy are informed by the WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) guidelines and are in accordance with other leading institutes providing care for transgender and gender diverse populations.
Hormone therapy is provided using an informed consent protocol. This means there is no requirement for students to present a letter from a mental health professional in order to begin hormone therapy and/or transition-related care. Campus Health providers perform an initial assessment, coordinate care, and provide secondary consultation if necessary.
Criteria for Hormonal Therapy:
- Capacity to give informed consent
- Age of majority (18 years old or older)
- Persistent, documented gender dysphoria (this is part of what you will discuss with your provider)
- Any other medical or mental health issues are reasonably well controlled
Your provider will discuss the informed consent process, discuss your gender identity development history or narrative, review effects, and possible risk factors for hormone therapy prior to writing a prescription.
For those individuals who are younger than 18 years of age and interested in initiating hormone therapy, the informed consent process would need to directly involve both the patient and their parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s).
What to Expect When Initiating Hormonal Therapy at Campus Health
For students who are interested in initiating hormonal therapy, you can expect the following at your initial clinic visits:
First Appointment(s) / Initial Intake:
Your provider will review your prior medical history, gender development history, social history, and hormone therapy goals. Your provider will likely obtain baseline labs for purposes of monitoring while taking hormonal therapy.
Depending on your history and needs, the initial intake process may take more than one or two appointments.
Please fill out a Health History Form and bring it to your first visit.
Second (or more) Appointment(s):
Follow-up of previous visits includes any additional tests or assessments, discussion of risks & benefits of treatment, signing of informed consent for treatment.
If appropriate, you may be able to initiate hormone treatments at this visit.
Mental Health Services
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers a wide range of services and programs to support students with personal, academic, career, health-related and crisis concerns. Counselors with expertise in gender identity and gender expression-related concerns are available at CAPS, and two regularly running support groups – In, Out and In-Between and Intersections QTPOC – provide professionally facilitated peer support. For information on how to access CAPS services, visit the initial assessments at CAPS webpage. If you would like to work with a counselor who has experience with trans* related concerns, request this specialty at the initial visit. If you are more comfortable connecting with someone specific as the first point of contact, Avery Cook is one of the CAPS providers on the Transgender Task Force. Avery can answer questions about CAPS, help you navigate CAPS services, and connect you with providers who match your unique needs. Reach them at macook@email.unc.edu or 919-966-3658.
Insurance Coverage
All students who pay a Campus Health Fee are eligible for services at Campus Health. If you have concerns about your health insurance coverage, please visit Using Insurance at Campus Health for more information. If you are covered by StudentBlue through UNC, you can read more about their coverage here. Please also see the gender affirming care coverages and benefits provided by Student Blue below.
Additional Resources
For additional support, resources, and community referrals, visit the LGBTQ Center, located in South Academic Services Building (SASB South), Suite 3308. The center provides several programs and services that center the needs of students in this community.
The Transgender Initiative of Raleigh is built around the idea of creating a communal, safe place for people from all across the gender spectrum, along with their allies, to meet, gather, and provide a supportive and welcoming social environment. Visit their site for more information about meetings and activities.
The LGBTQ Center of Durham is a safe and inclusive community committed to supporting and celebrating lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender, and queer-identified people in and around Durham.
For information on specific health topics and areas, explore Center of Excellence for Transgender Health, World Professional Association for Transgender Health, and Fenway Health.
If you are interested in learning more about how to talk to your partner about sexual health, make a free appointment with Student Wellness as an individual, partnership, or group to discuss sexual health & wellness needs.