Accessing care in the UK

There are two broad routes to gender care in the UK: the NHS and private services. Many people use a combination. Here is how each one generally works.

The NHS route

1. 1

   Talk to your GP

   For most adults, the first step is a GP referral to a specialist NHS Gender Dysphoria Clinic (GDC/GIC). You do not need a mental-health diagnosis to ask for one.

2. 2

   Referral to a clinic

   Your GP refers you to a clinic. Most require a GP referral, though some — such as the Northamptonshire clinic — accept self-referral. You can usually choose a clinic under patient choice.

3. 3

   Assessment & care plan

   At the clinic you'll have assessment appointments to discuss your history and goals, leading to a personalised plan that may include hormones and, for some, onward referral for surgery.

The private route

Some people choose private gender services to be seen sooner, for more choice of clinician, or for specific assessments. Private care can sit alongside NHS care — for example, a 'shared care' arrangement where your GP continues prescribing.

• Faster access and more flexibility, but at a cost
• Always check the clinician is registered (for example with the GMC or HCPC) and experienced in gender care
• Ask up front about fees, what's included, and whether your GP will agree to shared care

Where Magdalena fits in

As an HCPC-registered Chartered Psychologist, Magdalena offers gender dysphoria assessments and affirming therapy privately — including support while you wait for NHS care. See Find Support for clinics and helplines, or get in touch to discuss your situation.