Western Massachusetts Transgender Resource Guide, 2009

Compiled by the University of Massachusetts, Amherst Stonewall Center
and LGBT Associates of Western Massachusetts.

Methodology

The information about therapists, physicians and nurse practitioners, and electrologists and laser hair removal professionals was generated through a questionnaire sent to Western Massachusetts service providers. In addition to describing their practices, the providers were asked to indicate their level of training and experience with transgender clients/ patients using the following categories:

Transgender-Friendly: providers who have not worked with transgender clients/patients, but are interested in and sensitive to the needs of transgender people.

Transgender-Aware: providers who have not worked with transgender clients/patients, but are aware of the needs of transgender people and are able to understand, acknowledge, and address transgender-related issues.

Transgender-Experienced: providers who consider themselves to be experienced in the area of transgender care, based on their level of training and experience with transgender clients/patients.

Transgender Specialists: providers who consider themselves to be specialists in the area of transgender care, based on their level of training and experience with transgender clients/patients.

The questionnaire is available upon request.

Disclaimer and Usage

The listing of a provider should not be construed as an endorsement of that individual or their services. The UMass Stonewall Center and LGBT Associates of Western Massachusetts assume no responsibility regarding the accuracy of the information supplied by providers.

The Western Massachusetts Transgender Resource Guide is intended for personal, non-commercial use. The guide may not be otherwise republished or re-disseminated in any manner or form without the prior written consent of the UMass Stonewall Center and LGBT Associates of Western Massachusetts.

How To Receive a Legal Name Change in Massachusetts

Where to Go
To file for a legal name change, you need to go to the office of the Register of Probate in the Probate and Family Court in the county in which you reside. In Hampden County, the court is at 50 State Street in Springfield. In Hampshire County, the court is at 33 King Street in Northampton. The hours for both courts are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

What You Will Need to Bring
1) A certified copy of your birth certificate
One can be ordered online at www.mass-doc.com/massachusetts_birth_certificate.htm . The cost for the birth certificate is $45, which includes shipping. After the online request form is sent in, instructions will be emailed to you about how to mail in a check or money order. Once payment is received, normal delivery time for the birth certificate is 10-14 business days. For an additional $45, the delivery time is 3-5 days.

2) Previous name change decrees (if any)
If your name has been previously changed by decree of court or at marriage, either a copy of record of birth so amended, a copy of such decree, or a copy of record of marriage must be filed with the application.

3) Name Change Petition Form
This form is available at www.mass.gov/courts/courtsandjudges/courts/ probateandfamilycourt/documents/cjp27.pdf.

The form asks why you are changing your name. You do not have to indicate that you are transgender/transsexual and do not need to be on hormones, to have had gender reassignment/confirmation surgery, or to have a letter from a doctor or therapist. Some people choose to write “common usage,” “personal reason,” or “it’s the name that I use.”

As long as you are not changing your name in order to commit fraud, you have the legal right to change your name. A criminal record check will be done for all name-change petitioners over the age of 7 years. If you are denied the right to change your name because of a criminal record, you may wish to contact a lawyer.

Cost
The cost to file for a name change is $150, plus a $15 surcharge. Fees may be paid with cash, money order, or personal check. If you receive public benefits, have an income below the poverty line, or otherwise cannot afford $165, you may request that the fee be waived by declaring indigence. The forms to do so are available at www.mass.gov/courts/courtsandjudges/courts/probateandfamilycourt/forms.html. An explanation of how to fill out the forms can be found at www.mass.gov/courts/formsandguidelines/instructions_for_users.pdf. The Clerk of the Court can also offer assistance.

The Process
All name change petitions are published in a local newspaper. There is a separate charge for the publication and you can usually choose the paper in which the notice is published. If you have a good reason that the notice should not be published, you can file a motion to waive publication and an affidavit (a sworn statement) stating why you do not wish to have this information published. You may have to appear before a judge to explain your reasons.

Each probate court has a different process for handling name changes. In some courts, you may go before a judge or before a judge’s clerk. In other courts, the judge looks at the name change application outside of the petitioner’s presence. You may be able to finish everything that day or you may be required to return in about two weeks.

Adapted from information provided by the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition: www.masstpc.org/projects/namechange.shtml.

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How to Change the Name and/or Gender on Massachusetts Drivers' Licenses

Changing the Name on Your License
To file for a name change on a Massachusetts Driver’s License, you need to go to a Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office. In Western Massachusetts, RMV offices are located in Easthampton (16 Pleasant Street), Greenfield (280 Main Street), Chicopee (1011 Chicopee Street), Springfield (165 Liberty Street), Pittsfield (333 East Street), and North Adams (33 Main Street). Hours, directions, and wait times are available on the RMV website: http://www.mass.gov/qrmv/map/RMVmap.shtm.

What You Will Need to Bring
1) A court order showing your legal name change (see “How To Receive a Legal Name Change in Massachusetts” above)

2) Your Social Security Card with your new legal name
After obtaining a name change court order, you need to go to a social security office to obtain a new Social Security Card before you can change your name with the RMV. In Western Massachusetts, Social Security offices are located in Holyoke (200 High Street), Springfield (70 Bond Street), Greenfield (1 Arch Place), Pittsfield (78 Center Street), and North Adams (37 Main Street). Hours and directions are available on the Social Security website: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp.

Cost
The cost to obtain a license with a new name is $25.

Although changing the names on drivers’ licenses is standard procedure for RMV employees, there have been some incidents where a clerk will try to deny a name change. As long as you have all of the necessary legal paperwork, you cannot be denied a name change. If an RMV clerk refuses to make the change, ask to speak with a supervisor. If the supervisor likewise refuses to honor your request, ask to speak with the RMV branch manager. Be sure to record the names of the people with whom you speak, the dates and times of the interactions, and the reasons you were given for the denial.

Changing the Gender on Your License

What You Will Need to Bring
1) A completed RMV License/ID Update Application, available at http://www.mass.gov/rmv/forms/21053.pdf.

2) A completed Massachusetts Gender Designation Change Form, available at http://www.masstpc.org/publications/3party/MA%20RMV%20Gender%20Change%20Form.pdf.
The form needs to be signed by you and a medical provider—a licensed physician, therapist or counselor, or psychiatric social worker—attesting to your gender identity.

The RMV no longer requires a person to submit an amended birth certificate or a letter from a doctor indicating that the individual has had sex reassignment surgery. The next edition of the RMV’s Drivers’ Manual will reflect the policy change; the new policy is not yet available on the RMV website.

Adapted from information provided by the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition:
http://www.masstpc.org/projects/rmv-changes.shtml

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Transgender-Friendly Clinicians

The following person identified themselves as a transgender-friendly clinician:

Grace C. Gibson, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
206 State Street, #107, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 587-0408

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: trauma, traumatic brain injury, learning disabilities, college students
--Population(s) treated: adults
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening appointments
--Insurance accepted: MBHP, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, United Behavioral Health, Tufts, Chickering

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: no specific training or experience

Transgender-Aware Clinicians

No therapists are currently listed in this category.

Transgender-Experienced Clinicians

The following people identified themselves as transgender-experienced clinicians:

Dana Blackburn, M.S.W.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
43 Center Street, Suite #204, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-1766‎

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: trauma, eating disorders, LGBT issues
--Population(s) treated: adults, children, adolescents, couples/marriage therapy, family therapy
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening appointments
--Insurance accepted: nearly all

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: undergraduate coursework, graduate coursework, post-graduate coursework, CEU hours, workshops/seminars, conference attendance, community events, clinical supervision of transgender cases

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? In certain circumstances
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? In certain circumstances

*******

Kelly Heck, M.S.W.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
Affirmative Counseling
30 Merriam Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 358-5697, kellyheck@affirmativecounseling.net
www.affirmativecounseling.net

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: sexual identity, gender identity, youth/family needs, substance use/harm reduction
--Population(s) treated: adults, children, couples/marriage therapy, family therapy, group therapy
--Accessibility: in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening and weekend appointments
--Insurance accepted: self-pay only (rates on website)

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: graduate coursework, CEU hours, conference attendance, community events, clinical supervision of transgender cases
--Notable training or experience: “ran transgender support/education group at Indiana University, participated in committee to add ‘gender identity’ to protected status in city non-discrimination policy”

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? Yes
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? Yes

*******

Susan C. Loud, M.Ed.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
25 Main Street, Suite # 332, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 585-0689

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: depression, substance abuse, and related issues; gender identity issues, especially related to transitioning and family involvement
--Population(s) treated: adults, couples/marriage therapy
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening appointments
--Insurance accepted: Blue Cross and Blue Shield, United Behavioral Health, Harvard Pilgrim

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: CEU hours, workshops/seminars, conference attendance, community events, clinical supervision of transgender cases

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? Yes (“although most of my work has involved ongoing therapy helping people with acceptance and transitioning”)
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? Yes

*******

Manfred J. Melcher, M.S.W.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Clinician’s own gender: male

Contact Information
116 Pleasant Street, Suite # 334 (Eastworks Building), Easthampton, MA 01027
(413) 230-7131, www.manfredmelcher.com

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: adult psychodynamic psychotherapy, interpersonal
--Population(s) treated: adults, couples/marriage therapy
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening appointments
--Insurance accepted: Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan (BMCHP)

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: graduate coursework, post-graduate coursework, CEU hours, workshops/seminars, community events, research, clinical supervision of transgender cases
--Notable training or experience: “Adjunct faculty at Smith College School for Social Work”

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? No
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? No

*******

Margery M. Noel, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
409 Main Street, Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 253-8855, drmargery@askdrnoel.com
www.askdrnoel.com

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: sex therapy
--Population(s) treated: adults, couples/marriage therapy
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop
--Insurance accepted: Blue Cross and Blue Shield (not HMO), Medicare, University of Massachusetts student plan and many University of Massachusetts non-student plans, Smith College student plan

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: CEU hours, workshops/seminars, conference attendance, community events, clinical supervision of transgender cases
--Notable training or experience: “As Education Director for Community Sex Information in Boston in the 1970s, I worked with the transgender community to create and present a 60-hour training program for professionals wishing to volunteer on a telephone counseling and referral service, answering over 500 calls per month”

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? Yes
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? Yes

*******

Zenaida (Sandy) Ortega, M.Ed.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
511 East Columbus Avenue, Springfield, MA 01105
413-536-5631 (Holyoke), 413-827-8959 (Springfield), 413-433-6491 (cell)

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: Latino/a GLBT
--Population(s) treated: adults, group therapy
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening and weekend appointments
--Insurance accepted: “we accept all types of insurance (Massachusetts-based)”
--Fluent and can provided treatment in Spanish

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: graduate coursework, post-graduate coursework, CEU hours, workshops/seminars, conference attendance, community events, clinical supervision of transgender cases

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? Yes
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? Yes

*******

Beth Tabor Lev, Ph.D.
Psychologist
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
13 Old South Street, Suite # 1B, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 585-5180

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: childhood trauma, addiction
--Population(s) treated: adults, couples/marriage therapy
--Accessibility: in a facility that is near a bus stop
--Insurance accepted: Medicare, Medicaid crossover, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, most plans with out-of-network benefits

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: workshops/seminars, community events, clinical supervision of transgender cases
--Notable training or experience: “workshop with Arlene Istar Lev, seminar with Lisette Lahana LICSW”

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? “I haven’t been asked”
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? “I haven’t been asked”

*******

Jassy Timberlake, M.Ed.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
71 King Street, Suite 1, Northampton, MA 01060
(888) 501-8684 (toll free), DearJassy@jassytimberlake.com
http://jassytimberlake.com

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: sex therapy
--Population(s) treated: adults, couples/marriage therapy, family therapy, group therapy
--Accessibility: in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening and weekend appointments
--Insurance accepted: Blue Cross and Blue Shield (all plans); self-pay fee is $100 for a 50- minute session (sliding scale available)

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: post-graduate coursework, CEU hours, workshops/seminars, conference attendance, community events, clinical supervision of transgender cases
--Notable training or experience: “I have read and studied transgender issues extensively, and for ten years I have been in a committed relationship with a transgender partner – the most useful education of all! My sex therapy practice is clinically supervised by Dr. Margery Noel, who has worked with transgender people for more than 20 years. I conduct an online therapy practice, working exclusively with transgender active duty military. From 2002 – 2004, I was co-Program Director of the GLBT Clinical Initiative at The Family Center, Inc., a licensed mental health clinic in the Boston area.” Member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH, previously known as the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association) and the International Federation for Gender Education

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? Yes
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? Yes

Transgender Therapy Specialists

The following people identified themselves as transgender therapy specialists:

Brandin Dear, M.S.W.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clinician’s own gender: male

Contact Information
Child and Family Service
367 Pine Street, Springfield, MA 01105
(413) 737-1426, dearbrandin@gmail.com

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: GLBT issues, gender identity issues, cultural issues, adolescent developmental issues
--Population(s) treated: adults, adolescents, couples/marriage therapy
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening appointments
--Insurance accepted: Health New England, Mass Health

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: undergraduate coursework, graduate coursework, workshops/seminars, conference attendance, community events, research

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? Yes
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? Yes

*******

Joanna Frost, M.S.W.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Clinician’s own gender: transgender woman (20 years post-surgical experience)

Contact Information
700 Main Street, Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 534-3033, joannafrst@yahoo.com

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: GLBTQ issues, MTF and FTM transsexuals, crossdressers, school and employment consultations and trainings, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety
--Population(s) treated: adults, children, couples/marriage therapy, family therapy, group therapy
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening and weekend appointments
--Insurance accepted: Health New England, Pioneer, all PPO (out of network). Medicare and Blue Cross and Blue Shield pending. Also offers a sliding scale for people paying themselves

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: graduate coursework, post-graduate coursework, CEU hours, workshops/seminars, conference attendance, community events, clinical supervision of transgender cases
--Notable training or experience: member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH, previously known as the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association) and its Advocacy and Liaison Committee, Attended the 20th Biennial Symposium of WPATH in 2007

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? Yes
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? Yes

*******

Tetty Gorfine, M.A.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
LifeCourse Counseling
P.O. Box 845, Northampton, MA 01061
(413) 585-1655, info@lifecourse.net
www.lifecourse.net

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: LGBTQ populations
--Population(s) treated: adults, couples/marriage therapy, group therapy
--Accessibility: in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening appointments
--Insurance accepted: Mass Health and all other non-HMO insurances
--Fluent and can provided treatment in American Sign Language

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: post-graduate coursework, CEU hours, workshops/seminars, conference attendance, community events, clinical supervision of transgender cases
--Notable training or experience: “I have provided workshops to local groups, including the Smith College counseling faculty”

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? Yes
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? Yes

*******

Shelley Janiczek Woodson, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Health Service Provider
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
LGBT Associates of Western Massachusetts
220 West State Street, Granby, MA 01033
(413) 222-0998, info@masstherapist.com
www.masstherapist.com

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: LGBT issues, especially transition assistance; gender variant children; bisexual individuals/couples; sleep difficulties/disorders; BDSM lifestyle issues
--Population(s) treated: adults, children, adolescents, couples/marriage therapy, family therapy, group therapy, inpatient therapy
--Accessibility: in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening and weekend appointments
--Insurance accepted: BMC HealthNet, Medicare, Pioneer, Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Tri-Care. Low fee/sliding scale for qualified clients.

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: undergraduate coursework, graduate coursework, post-graduate coursework, workshops/seminars, conference attendance, community events, clinical supervision of transgender cases
--Notable training or experience: “four years doctoral level supervision of work with clients by the Kinsey Institute, trained psychologist”

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? Yes
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? Yes

*******

Patricia Jenkins, M.S.W.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
16 Center Street, Suite 503, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-2590

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: GLBT, trauma, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), couples, adolescents
--Population(s) treated: adults, children, adolescents, couples/marriage therapy, group therapy
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening appointments
--Insurance accepted: Pioneer, United Behavioral Health, Harvard Pilgrim

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: post-graduate coursework, CEU hours, workshops/seminars, conference attendance, community events, clinical supervision of transgender cases
--Notable training or experience: attendance at the New England Gender Conference in 2007

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? Yes
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? Yes

*******

Nancy E. Kirk, M.S.W.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
247 Northampton Street, Suite #14, Easthampton, MA 01027
(413) 529-9767

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: gender issues, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, relational
--Population(s) treated: adults
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening appointments
--Insurance accepted: Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Fallon, United Behavioral Health, Medicare, Aetna, Chickering, Corp Health, PBHI, Con Health, Magellan, Unicare, Harvard Pilgrim, Value Options

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: graduate coursework, post-graduate coursework, CEU hours, workshops/seminars, conference attendance, community events, clinical supervision of transgender cases

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? Yes
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? Yes

*******

Julie Mencher, M.S.W.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
199 Main Street, Suite # 2, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-7933

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: LGBTQ issues, trauma, eating disorders, sexual issues, relationship issues
--Population(s) treated: adults, adolescents, couples/marriage therapy, family therapy
--Accessibility: in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening appointments
--Insurance accepted: All Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurances, Harvard Pilgrim, Aetna, Health Care Value Management, PacifiCare, United Behavioral Health, First Health, Pioneer, Magellan

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: CEU hours, workshops/seminars, conference attendance, research, clinical supervision of transgender cases
--Notable training or experience: “I conduct trainings for other clinicians on working with gender issues, transgender people, and families and partners of transgender people”

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? “Under certain circumstances”
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? “Under certain circumstances”

*******

Jason Rose-Langston, M.S.W.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Clinician’s own gender: male

Contact Information
116 Pleasant Street, Suite # 316 (Eastworks Building), Easthampton, MA 01027
(413) 695-6633, www.jasonroselangston.com

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: transgender, adolescents, trauma, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), hypnosis
--Population(s) treated: adults, children/adolescents, couples/marriage therapy, group therapy
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening appointments
--Insurance accepted: Blue Cross and Blue Shield, United Behavioral Health, Aetna, Harvard Pilgrim, ConnectiCare, Medicare B, Pioneer

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: undergraduate coursework, graduate coursework, post-graduate coursework, CEU hours, workshops/seminars, conference attendance, community events, clinical supervision of transgender cases
--Notable training or experience: “Six months training course in transgender assessment and treatment by Lisette Lahana (LICSW),” attendance at the New England Gender Conference in 2007

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? Yes
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? Yes

*******

Angela Rowan, M.S.W.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
251 Chapman Street, Greenfield, MA 01301
Mailing address: P.O. Box 873, Greenfield, MA 01302
(413) 773-5420, RowanPsychotherapy@earthlink.net
www.RowanPsychotherapy.com

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: gender identity, trauma, eating disorders
--Population(s) treated: adults, couples/marriage therapy, family therapy
--Accessibility: offers evening and weekend appointments
--Insurance accepted: self-pay only

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: post-graduate coursework, CEU hours, workshops/seminars, conference attendance, community events, clinical supervision of transgender cases
--Notable training or experience: “I provide training, consultations, and clinical supervision on transgender issues to organizations and individual therapists”

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? Yes
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? Yes

*******

J. Michael Rowan, M.S.W.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Clinician’s own gender: male

Contact Information
251 Chapman Street, Greenfield, MA 01301
Mailing address: P.O. Box 873, Greenfield, MA 01302
(413) 773-5420, RowanPsychotherapy@earthlink.net
www.RowanPsychotherapy.com

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: transgender, trauma, play therapy with children
--Population(s) treated: adults, children, couples/marriage therapy, family therapy
--Accessibility: offers evening appointments
--Insurance accepted: self-pay only

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: CEU hours, conference attendance, community events, research, clinical supervision of transgender cases

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? Yes
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? Yes

*******

Sara Shuff, M.S.W.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
Affirmative Counseling
30 Merriam Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 358-3038, sarashuff@affirmativecounseling.net
www.affirmativecounseling.net

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: gender identity, sexuality, childhood trauma,
relationship issues, grief and loss, eating disorders, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
--Population(s) treated: adults, children, couples/marriage therapy, family therapy
--Accessibility: in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening appointments
--Insurance accepted: self-pay only (rates on website)

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: graduate coursework, post-graduate coursework, CEU hours, conference attendance, community events, clinical supervision of transgender cases

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? Yes
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? Yes

*******

M. Estey Ticknor, M.S.W.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Clinician’s own gender: woman with gender variance

Contact Information
57 Gothic Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-0110

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of clinical expertise: LGBT populations, adolescents, general adult
psychotherapy
--Population(s) treated: adults, children, family therapy
--Accessibility: in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening appointments
--Insurance accepted: Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan (BMCHP), Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health New England, First Health, Beacon/Fallon

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: CEU hours, workshops/seminars, conference attendance, community events, research, clinical supervision of transgender cases
--Notable training or experience: “monthly group/peer consultation, Lisette Lahana’s [New England] Gender Conference, presented at ServiceNet to clinical staff”

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain hormones? “Yes, if I do an evaluation only. No, if I am doing long-term treatment. It is my policy that I don’t combine being the therapist and the evaluator for the same client, due to the therapy getting contaminated by an evaluative stance. I refer my clients to someone else for the ‘letter.’ I do take referrals for gender evaluations only.”
--Do you write letters for transsexual individuals to obtain sex reassignment surgeries/gender confirmation surgeries? “See the answer to the previous question.”

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Transgender-Friendly Primary Care Providers
No primary care providers are currently listed in this category.

Transgender-Aware Primary Care Providers
No primary care providers are currently listed in this category.

Transgender-Experienced Primary Care Providers
The following people identified themselves as transgender-experienced providers:

Stephanie Billings, M.D.
Family Practice Physician
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
Holyoke Health Center
230 Maple Street, Holyoke, MA 01040
413-420-2200
www.hhcinc.org

Information About Practice
--Currently not accepting new patients
--Area(s) of medical expertise: primary care
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop
--Insurance accepted: Mass Health
--Hospital affiliation: Holyoke Medical Center
--Fluent and can provided treatment in American Sign Language and Spanish

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: graduate coursework, residency training, workshops/seminars, conference attendance, community events

Hormone Services
--Do you monitor hormone levels for transitioning patients? Yes
--Do you prescribe hormones for transitioning patients? Yes
--If yes, under what circumstances do you prescribe hormones? “Under WPATH Standards of Care.”

*******

Margaret Gold, M.D.
Family Practice Physician
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
University Health Services, University of Massachusetts
150 Infirmary Way, Amherst, MA 01003
413-577-5411
www.5elementacupuncture.org

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of medical expertise: acupuncture
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop
--Insurance accepted:
--Hospital affiliation: practice affiliated with Cooley Dickinson Hospital

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: residency training, workshops/seminars, community events

Hormone Services
--Do you monitor hormone levels for transitioning patients? Yes
--Do you prescribe hormones for transitioning patients? Yes
--If yes, under what circumstances do you prescribe hormones? “consultation with endocrinologist for guidance”

*******

Betsy Green, N.P.
Family Practice Nurse Practitioner
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
Northampton Health Center
70 Main Street, Florence, MA 01062
413-586-8400
www.vmgma.com

Information About Practice
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers weekend appointments (urgent care only)
--Insurance accepted: “Most insurance accepted”
--Hospital affiliation: practice affiliated with Cooley Dickinson Hospital

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: no specific training or experience

Hormone Services
--Do you monitor hormone levels for transitioning patients? No
--Do you prescribe hormones for transitioning patients? No

*******

J. Aleah Nesteby, N.P.
Family Practice Nurse Practitioner
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
Baystate High Street Health Center, Adult Medicine
140 High Street, Springfield, MA 01199
413-794-1316 (office extension)
www.baystatehealth.org

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of medical expertise: women’s health, LGBTQ health
--Accessibility: offers evening appointments (on Thursdays)
--Insurance accepted: “Almost all, including Mass Health, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health New England, and CIGNA. We do not accept Neighborhood Health.”
--Hospital affiliation: Baystate Medical Center
--Have on-site Spanish interpreters and off-site interpreters in American Sign Language, Russian, and Vietnamese. Practice can hire interpreters in any other language.

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: graduate coursework, workshops/seminars, conference attendance, community events
--Notable training or experience: “graduate thesis on Trans Health in Primary Care”

Hormone Services
--Do you monitor hormone levels for transitioning patients? Yes
--Do you prescribe hormones for transitioning patients? Yes
--If yes, under what circumstances do you prescribe hormones? “Patients must be seeing me for primary care. I cannot do consults. I use an informed consent model of care.”

*******

Chris Normandin, N.P.
Family Practice Nurse Practitioner
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
Northampton Health Center
70 Main Street, Florence, MA 01062
413-586-8400
www.vmgma.com

Information About Practice
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers weekend appointments (urgent care only)
--Insurance accepted: Most insurance accepted
--Hospital affiliation: practice affiliated with Cooley Dickinson Hospital

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: workshops/seminars, conference attendance, community events
--Notable training or experience: “15 years working at Smith College Health Service, informal liaison with trans community”

Hormone Services
--Do you monitor hormone levels for transitioning patients? Yes
--Do you prescribe hormones for transitioning patients? No

Transgender Primary Care Specialists
No primary care providers are currently listed in this category.

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Transgender-Friendly Endocrinologists
No endocrinologists are currently listed in this category.

Transgender-Aware Endocrinologists
No endocrinologists are currently listed in this category.

Transgender-Experienced Endocrinologists
The following person identified themselves as a transgender-experienced endocrinologist:

Kimberly Browne-Martin, M.D.
Endocrinologist
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
2 Medical Center Drive, Suite 210, Springfield, MA 01107
413-734-4661

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of medical expertise: internal medicine, endocrinology and metabolism
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop
--Insurance accepted: “most”
--Hospital affiliation: Baystate Medical Center, Mercy Medical Center

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: residency training/fellowship, conference attendance

Transgender Endocrine Specialists
The following people identified themselves as transgender endocrine specialists:

Stuart Chipkin, M.D.
Endocrinologist
Clinician’s own gender: male

Contact Information
Valley Medical Group, Amherst Medical Center
31 Hall Drive, Amherst, MA 01002
43-256-8561
www.vmgma.com

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of medical expertise: internal medicine, endocrinology, diabetes, metabolism
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop
--Insurance accepted: “most”
--Hospital affiliation: Baystate Medical Center, Cooley Dickinson Hospital

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: conference attendance, community events, research

*******

Jeffrey Korff, M.D.
Endocrinologist
Clinician's own gender: male

Contact Information
264 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01060
413-585-0039

Information About Practice
--Appointment by physician referral, approximately a four-month wait
--Area(s) of medical expertise: endocrinology
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop
--Insurance accepted: "most"
--Hospital affiliation: Cooley Dickinson Hospital

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: fellowship training, conference attendance

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Transgender-Friendly Obstetricians/Gynecologists
No OB/GYNs are currently listed in this category.

Transgender-Aware Obstetricians/Gynecologists
No OB/GYNs are currently listed in this category.

Transgender-Experienced Obstetricians/Gynecologists

The following person identified themselves as a transgender-experienced OB/GYN:

Diane Amsterdam, M.D.
Obstetrician/Gynecologist
Clinician's own gender: female

Contact Information
WomanCare
234 Russell Street, #3, Hadley, MA 01035
413-586-2022

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of medical expertise: gynecology
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop
--Insurance accepted: "almost all"
--Hospital affiliation: Cooley Dickinson Hospital

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: conference attendance, community events

Transgender Obstetrical/Gynecological Specialists
No OB/GYNs are currently listed in this category.

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Transgender-Friendly Plastic Surgeons
No plastic surgeons are currently listed in this category.

Transgender-Aware Plastic Surgeons
No plastic surgeons are currently listed in this category.

Transgender-Experienced Plastic Surgeons
The following person identified themselves as a transgender-experienced plastic surgeon:

Renée Bennett O’Sullivan, M.D.
Plastic Surgeon
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
O’Sullivan Plastic Surgery
14 Denton Road
Wellesley, MA 02482
781-235-1007
www.osullivanplasticsurgery.com

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of medical expertise: general plastic and reconstructive surgery
--Accessibility: in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening appointments under specific circumstances
--Insurance accepted: “We take numerous insurance plans, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim, Medicare and Medicaid, and more.”
--Hospital affiliation: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Needham), Faulkner Hospital (Jamaica Plain)

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: no specific training or experience

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
Do you write letters for transsexual men who have had mastectomies indicating that they have “completed sexual reassignment surgery” in order for them to be able to change the gender on identity documents? “I have written these letters in the past, in direct reference to the surgery performed.”

Transgender Plastic Surgery Specialists
The following person identified themselves as a transgender plastic surgery specialists:

Melissa Johnson, M.D.
Plastic Surgeon
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
Baystate Plastic Surgery
2 Medical Center Drive, Suite 309
Springfield, MA 01199
413-794-5363
www.baystatehealth.com/plastic

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of medical expertise: plastic surgery
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop
--Insurance accepted: “We participate in most insurance programs offered in our area”
--Hospital affiliation: Baystate Medical Center

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: community events, research
--Notable training or experience: “ten years clinical experience with emphasis on breast surgery”

Letters of Support for Transsexual Individuals
Do you write letters for transsexual men who have had mastectomies indicating that they have “completed sexual reassignment surgery” in order for them to be able to change the gender on identity documents? Yes

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Transgender-Friendly Pediatricians
The following person identified themselves as a transgender-friendly pediatrician:

David P. Norton, M.D.
Pediatrician
Clinician’s own gender: male

Contact Information
Holyoke Pediatric Associates
150 Lower Westfield Road, Holyoke, MA 01040
413-536-2393

84 Willimansett Street, South Hadley, MA 01075
413-532-0300

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of medical expertise: general pediatrics
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening and weekend appointments
--Insurance accepted: all local
--Hospital affiliation: Baystate Medical Center
--Fluent and can provided treatment in Spanish and German

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: conference attendance
--Notable training or experience: “I cannot say I am experienced in this realm, but am an active member of the Massachusetts Medical Society Committee on LGBT Matters and am happy to work with local families and help them access expertise.”

Transgender-Aware Pediatricians
No pediatricians are currently listed in this category.

Transgender-Experienced Pediatricians
No pediatricians are currently listed in this category.

Transgender Pediatric Specialists
No pediatricians are currently listed in this category.

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Transgender-Friendly Specialty Physicians
No specialty physicians are currently listed in this category.

Transgender-Aware Specialty Physicians
No specialty physicians are currently listed in this category.

Transgender-Experienced Specialty Physicians
The following person identified themselves as a transgender-experienced specialty physician:

Elizabeth O’Dair, M.D.
Family Medicine Physician
Clinician’s own gender: female

Contact Information
Northampton Wellness Associates
395 Pleasant Street, Northampton, MA 01060
413-584-7787
www.northamptonwellness.com

Information About Practice
--Area(s) of medical expertise: nutritional medicine, hormone therapy
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening appointments (Wednesdays until 6:30 p.m.)
--Insurance accepted: Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Champus/Tricare, CIGNA, Consolidated Health Plans, GIC Plans, Harvard Pilgrim, Medicare, Pioneer, Tufts, United Health Care
--Fluent and can provided treatment in Spanish

Transgender-Specific Training and Experience
--Trainings or experience related to transgender people: no specific training or experience

Hormone Services
--Do you monitor hormone levels for transitioning patients? Yes
--Do you prescribe hormones for transitioning patients? Yes
--If yes, under what circumstances do you prescribe hormones? “informed consent”

Transgender Medical Specialists
No specialty physicians are currently listed in this category.

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Transgender-Friendly Hair Removal Professionals

No hair removal professionals are currently listed in this category.

Transgender-Aware Hair Removal Professionals

No hair removal professionals are currently listed in this category.

Transgender-Experienced Hair Removal Professionals

The following people identified themselves as transgender-experienced hair removal professionals:

Karen Belleville
Registered Electrologist

Contact Information
Bay State Electrolysis
89 Old West Street, Ludlow, MA 01056
(413) 583-4225; kbelleville@charter.net
www.finallyhairfree.com

Information About Practice
--Training(s) received: Electrology Institute of New England
--Method(s) of hair removal used: Thermolysis, Galvanic, and Blend
--Accessibility: offers evening and weekend appointments
--Rates: $30 for 15 minutes, $40 for a half hour, $50 for 45 minutes, $60 for an hour, $100 for an hour and a half

*******

Christine Hartling
Registered Electrologist, Licensed Practical Nurse, and Certified in CPR/First Aid

Contact Information
Hampshire Electrolysis
10 South Main Street (corner of Route 202 and Route 181), Belchertown, MA 01007
(413) 323-0335

Information About Practice
--Training(s) received: electrolysis school in Tewksbury and Florence, Massachusetts; sterilization classes
--Method(s) of hair removal used: Thermolysis
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening and weekend appointments
--Rates: $20 for 15 minutes, $30 for a half hour, $40 for 45 minutes, $50 for an hour

*******

Robert Weitzman, M.D.

Contact Information
Amherst Laser and Skin Care Center
196 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 253-2214; info@amherstlaser.com
www.amherstlaser.com

Information About Practice
--Training(s) received: active member of the America Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
--Method(s) of hair removal used: Alexandrite 755 nm laser with coolant
---Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening and weekend appointments
--Rates: Approximately $125-$600 per treatment; free consultation; packages available; discounts for students
--Fluent and can provided treatment in American Sign Language, French, Spanish, and Krio

Transgender Hair Removal Specialists

The following people identified themselves as transgender hair removal specialists:

Karen Martin-Essa
Registered Electrologist and Certified Medical Assistant

Contact Information
23 Main Street, Easthampton, MA 01027
(413) 529-0190

Information About Practice
--Training(s) received: Mary Angelis School of Electrology
--Method(s) of hair removal used: Thermolysis and Blend
--Accessibility: in a wheelchair accessible facility, in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening and weekend appointments
--Rates: $38 for a half hour, $55 for an hour

*******

Chérie Brisebois
Registered Electrologist

Contact Information
Bay State Electrology/Your Everlasting Solution
62 Westfield Street, West Springfield, MA 01089
(413) 733-2499

Information About Practice
--Training(s) received: graduate of the Electrology Institute of New England
--Method(s) of hair removal used: Galvanic, High Frequency, Blend, OmniBlend, Cataphoresis, Anaphoresis, MicroFlash, Thermoflash, Thermocoagulation
--Accessibility: in a facility that is near a bus stop, offers evening and weekend appointments
--Rates: $28 for 15 minutes, $41 for a half hour, $54 for 45 minutes. Longer appointments available

UMass Amherst Stonewall Center

Western Massachusetts Transgender Resource Guide, 2009

Compiled by the University of Massachusetts, Amherst Stonewall Center and LGBT Associates of Western Massachusetts.

Compiled by the University of Massachusetts, Amherst Stonewall Center
and LGBT Associates of Western Massachusetts.