Gender-Affirming Therapy in Salt Lake City and Millcreek

 Navigating a gender transition can be complex, especially with the discrimination and gate-keeping that often occurs. Arches Healing and Growth is committed to being a safe, compassionate, and affirming space for your journey. We want to celebrate you and focus on the new levels of joy waiting for you as you embrace your most authentic self. 

As a transgender-owned practice, we make gender-affirming therapy a top priority. Gender-affirming care for transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming folks should be uplifting. Our team of licensed therapists is here to support and encourage you at every point on the gender spectrum. 

Trans people often face barriers when accessing hormone treatments or updating their birth certificates. That means a practitioner who specializes in LGBTQ therapy can make the process easier. Our team’s clinical expertise and lived experience guide our commitment to celebrating gender diversity. 

Our primary goal is providing a safe space for you. We’re here to support you as you explore your identity and cope with dysphoria. Whether you’re just beginning the journey or already managing the stress and family complications that can arise. Many trans folks experience religious trauma and other barriers, and you don’t have to make this journey alone.

Accessing Gender-Affirming Surgery in Utah 

We recognize that gender-affirming surgeries can be a vital step in aligning one’s body with their identity and living authentically. While not every transgender or nonbinary person chooses surgery, for many it’s an empowering step. These procedures include chest masculinization and breast augmentation (often called top surgery) or a hysterectomy or genital reconstruction (often called bottom surgery). These procedures for MTF and FTM individuals can be deeply affirming and life-changing. 

We provide compassionate support before and after surgery, offering space to process emotions, prepare for the changes ahead, and navigate the healing journey. Gender-affirming surgery also requires a letter from a mental health professional, indicating you have been treated in accordance with WPATH standards of care. 

There is a standard process for receiving a letter for surgery, and we are here to guide you through it. That generally includes being on hormone therapy for at least a year. You will also need to show that you have been seeing a therapist for gender dysphoria for at least six months. We can provide that therapy care, while ensuring correct documentation to receive your letter in a timely fashion. 

Changing Your Legal Gender Marker in Utah

The medical transition is just one part of managing a legal gender change in Utah. We strive to provide you with the tools you need to flourish. And we work in partnership with the team handling your medical care and the professionals assisting you with the legal side of things. 

Therapy for gender transition is just one part of the puzzle. Updating your gender marker in Utah comes with some legal requirements. We can help with the diagnosis of gender dysphoria and outline a treatment plan to help you thrive. 

Utah law requires letters for gender transition as part of the filing process to update your sex assigned at birth. Our mental health experts can guide you through your feelings and document our work to satisfy that requirement. 

Mental health care can bring challenges for the LGBTQ Community and especially for folks who identify as transgender. Our goal is to alleviate these challenges and enhance your quality of life as you medically and socially transition. Especially as the United States enacts policies aimed at excluding and othering the LGBTQ community.