Hormone Readiness Assessments

A space for reflection, education, and support

Gender-affirming care is deeply personal, and everyone’s journey looks different. A hormone readiness assessment provides a supportive space to explore your goals, needs, and questions around medical transition, at your own pace and on your own terms.

At In Good Company Counselling, select clinicians offer assessments that meet the standards outlined by Trans Care BC. These sessions are designed to ensure you have access to informed, collaborative care, not to decide for you, but to support you in understanding your options, identifying next steps, and documenting readiness where appropriate.

What to expect

A hormone readiness assessment typically includes:

  • Two 50-minute sessions with a qualified clinician

  • A collaborative exploration of your goals, supports, and current health context

  • Discussion of emotional, social, and practical considerations related to hormone therapy

  • Space to ask questions, express uncertainty, and reflect on your needs

  • Preparation of a summary or letter for your healthcare provider when clinically indicated

Our goal is to provide a process that feels transparent, respectful, and guided by your informed consent and comfort.

Our approach

We approach readiness assessments through a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and gender-affirming lens. Our counsellors hold space for the full range of experiences, including excitement, uncertainty, clarity, or complexity, without assuming a particular outcome.

Drawing from collaborative and empowerment-based therapy, we see readiness as more than a checklist. It’s an opportunity to reflect on your support systems, mental and physical well-being, and access needs, while honouring your autonomy and expertise in your own life.

Who we support

We welcome individuals of all gender identities and lived experiences seeking assessments or simply wanting to explore gender-affirming care in conversation.

Our team is experienced in supporting:

  • Trans and gender-diverse adults and youth

  • Non-binary and gender-expansive clients

  • Clients exploring medical or non-medical transition

  • Those seeking support letters or reports for hormone therapy

We recognize that readiness looks different for everyone, and we aim to provide care that is grounded, flexible, and affirming of your unique process.

Session details

Sessions offered in person and online
Offered by select clinicians
$320 — includes up to two 50-minute sessions and a written summary or report

Most assessments are completed within one session, with the fee covering both the meeting(s) and the time required to prepare your documentation. If additional sessions are needed, your counsellor will discuss this with you clearly before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • It’s a collaborative process between you and a counsellor to explore your goals, supports, and readiness for gender-affirming medical care, such as hormone therapy. It is not a test or gatekeeping process, but rather a supportive evaluation aligned with Trans Care BC standards. We are unable to provide surgical readiness assessments at this time.

  • Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) trained in gender-affirming care can complete readiness assessments and provide supporting documentation for your healthcare provider, consistent with Trans Care BC’s model of informed consent.

  • No. Many clients come to explore whether hormone therapy feels right for them, or to process questions before making a decision. The process is designed to meet you where you are — whether certain, curious, or still exploring.

  • Not necessarily. The letter is written when both client and clinician agree that readiness criteria are met and that it aligns with your goals and care plan. Regardless of outcome, your clinician will support you in understanding next steps and available resources.

  • Some healthcare providers in BC request a letter of readiness as part of gender-affirming care. You can learn more about these standards at transcarebc.ca or discuss them with your clinician.

Getting Started

You don’t have to do this alone, we’re here, in good company. 

Sessions are available in person at our downtown Vancouver offices or online anywhere in British Columbia.

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Our Counsellors

Contact Us

In Good Company Counselling
Unit 205 – 402 W Pender
Vancouver, BC
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236-471-6680
connect@igccounselling.ca

Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge that our healing work takes place on the traditional unceded homelands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) & Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nations. We are committed to understanding the lasting impacts of colonization and working to actively decolonize ourselves and our practices.