Gender Identity Assessment and Letter Writing Service
Professional evaluation and documentation for individuals considering gender-affirming medical care
At Freedom Support Services, we provide a respectful and confidential environment for individuals seeking a professional mental health assessment related to gender identity and potential gender-affirming medical care.
Questions about identity and medical decision-making are deeply personal. They often involve emotional well-being, relationships, personal values, and long-term life goals. Our role is to provide a thoughtful and structured assessment process that helps individuals consider their next steps with clarity and care.
Our clinicians approach this work with professionalism, compassion, and respect for the unique circumstances of each person we serve.
About the Assessment
The Gender Identity Assessment is a structured clinical evaluation conducted by a licensed mental health professional.
Many medical providers request documentation from a mental health professional before initiating certain types of gender-affirming medical care.
This assessment helps determine whether a letter of support may be appropriate.
The purpose of the assessment is to:
Understand your personal experiences and goals
Assessments are conducted by a trained and fully licensed clinician at Freedom Support Services with experience in gender identity evaluation. Most individuals complete the assessment process in one to two sessions, depending on individual circumstances and the level of evaluation needed.
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The process is conducted in a respectful, individualized, and non-judgmental manner.
Letter Writing Service
When clinically appropriate, Freedom Support Services may provide letters of support for gender-affirming medical care.
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Medical providers sometimes require documentation from a mental health professional prior to providing services such as:
Hormone Therapy
Letters are written after completion of the clinical assessment process and are based on professional judgment and recognized standards of care.
Completion of the assessment does not automatically guarantee that a letter will be issued. Recommendations are determined individually based on the clinical evaluation.
Our Approach
Freedom Support Services is committed to:
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treating each individual with dignity and respect
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providing thoughtful, evidence-informed mental health care
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supporting individuals as they make important life decisions
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respecting personal values, beliefs, and goals
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maintaining a confidential and professional environment
We believe that careful evaluation and informed decision-making are essential when navigating complex healthcare choices.
YOUR EVALUATING CLINICIAN
Chandra Shorter, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Board Certified Clinical Supervisor
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Gender Identity Assessments at Freedom Support Services are conducted by Chandra Shorter, LPC, a licensed professional counselor and board-certified clinical supervisor with experience working with adolescents, adults, and families navigating complex emotional and life transitions.
Chandra is known for creating a calm, supportive environment where individuals can speak openly about personal experiences and important life questions. Her approach emphasizes careful listening, thoughtful evaluation, and helping individuals gain clarity as they consider meaningful decisions about their well-being.
She has experience supporting individuals who are exploring questions related to gender identity, personal identity development, and transition-related healthcare decisions, and provides assessments in accordance with recognized professional standards of care.
In addition to gender identity assessments, Chandra has extensive experience working with concerns related to anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and life transitions.
Her goal during the assessment process is to provide a respectful and thorough professional evaluation that helps individuals better understand their circumstances and determine appropriate next steps.
​Assessment Details​​
Gender Identity Assessment & Letter Writing Service
SESSIONS
1–2 Sessions
SESSION LENGTH
60 Minutes
$500
Self-Pay Only
FORMAT
Virtual or In-Person
The first appointment begins the assessment process and includes a comprehensive clinical evaluation and discussion of your experiences, goals, and potential next steps. Please note: This is a self-pay service. It is not covered by insurance. *Please Note: This is a self-pay service as it is not covered by insurance. Payment plans available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions are required?
Most individuals complete the assessment process in one to two sessions. The exact number depends on the information needed to complete a responsible evaluation.
What happens during the assessment?
The assessment includes a structured conversation with a licensed mental health professional. Topics may include personal history, emotional well-being, support systems, and goals related to gender identity and potential medical care.
Will I automatically receive a letter after the assessment?
A letter may be provided when it is clinically appropriate and consistent with professional standards of care. Each situation is evaluated individually.
Is this service confidential?
Yes. All services are confidential within the limits of state law and professional ethics.
Is ongoing therapy required?
Not necessarily. Some individuals complete the process through the assessment alone, while others may benefit from additional counseling or support depending on their needs.
Who This Assessment May Be For
This assessment may be helpful for individuals who:
are considering gender-affirming medical care such as hormone therapy or surgery
have been asked by a medical provider to obtain a mental health evaluation or letter of support
would like guidance from a licensed mental health professional as they consider their options
want a professional conversation about readiness and next steps
are seeking documentation required by a healthcare provider
Some individuals schedule this assessment after speaking with a medical provider, while others begin here to better understand the evaluation process before pursuing additional care.
For Parents
& Families
If someone you love is considering gender-affirming care, families often have questions about the process and how best to provide support.
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This assessment process can help provide:
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a clearer understanding of the evaluation process
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professional guidance related to readiness and next steps
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space to consider emotional and family factors
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information about available resources
We believe that open conversations and strong family relationships are important in supporting overall well-being.
Important Information
The Gender Identity Assessment and Letter Writing Service is designed to provide professional evaluation, education, and clinical guidance.
Recommendations and documentation are based on individual circumstances, clinical judgment, and established professional standards of care.
Completion of an assessment does not guarantee eligibility for specific medical treatment or documentation.
Clinical Documentation Statement
Letters of support are clinical documents intended for use by medical providers as part of their own evaluation and treatment decision-making. These letters reflect the professional opinion of the evaluating clinician based on the information available during the assessment process and applicable professional standards of care.
Medical providers are responsible for determining whether to initiate or proceed with any medical treatment. The presence of a letter from a mental health professional does not guarantee that a medical provider will approve or provide a specific treatment.
