Cabot

Gender-Affirming Care in Minneapolis and Edina

Our clinicians provide space for clients to heal, receive support, and share their lived experiences in an empathetic and safe environment. Our approach includes personalized treatment plans, and working with therapists who specialize in transgender issues who can collaborate with other healthcare members. 

Our Gender-Affirming Approach

Cabot therapists can provide support for those experiencing gender dysphoria. Our approach is personalized, patient-centered and gender-affirming. 

 

Our clinicians provide space for clients to heal, receive support, and share their lived experiences in an empathetic and safe environment. Our approach includes personalized treatment plans, and working with therapists who specialize in transgender issues who can collaborate with other healthcare members. 

 

Additionally, we recognize the need many trans people have for medical interventions. Therapists at Cabot can provide letters supporting this need for intervention, which can be provided to surgery centers, doctors, and insurance companies.

Personalized Care Plans

Every client has different needs and areas of support, so treatment is not the same for everyone. Cabot clinicians will support your unique journey by tailoring treatment plans based on what you need most to feel supported so you can start healing. 

Inclusive and Compassionate Therapists

Cabot therapists are experts in gender-affirming mental health treatment. 

  • At Cabot, we have several clinicians who identify as trans or nonbinary, and specialize in working with individuals dealing with gender identity issues. Specifically, JAC Stringer, Nicole Campbell, Sophie Fesser, and Taylor Nelson all have expertise in this area. Can we link to their pages on their names?
  • All of the providers at Cabot, even if they do not identify as trans, nonbinary, or queer, are strong allies of the trans and queer community. They have sought additional training to work competently with the LGBTQIA+ community, and will do the necessary work to fill information gaps with their clients.

Collaborative Support

As part of your personalized and comprehensive care, we work closely with healthcare providers to provide transgender clients with well-rounded and holistic mental health care.  

While maintaining patient confidentiality and respecting your autonomy in decision-making, we can be an advocate in the following areas: 

  • Helping you gain accessible and gender-affirming care
  • Sharing information about your mental health needs related to gender identity, 
  • Coordinating care plans to ensure seamless support 

Comprehensive mental health treatment from home

90% of  clients and their families would recommend Cabot Psychological Services

We’re proud to partner with the following major insurance providers:

Services We Offer

We offer various support services for clients who are seeking support with gender-related issues. Clients will have access to individual counseling, as well as support and education for family and loved ones, and guidance through social, legal, and medical transitions.

Individual Counseling

One-on-one sessions with a therapist are important for supporting your identity and the emotions that come with it. Individual counseling can help relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Individual counseling provides a safe place to accomplish the following:

  • Tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs and goals.
  • Discuss concerns in a private setting with a therapist who is focused on you
  • Learn to communicate better with others, to strengthen and form healthier relationships
  • Understand your thoughts, feelings, and actions better.
  • Identify healthy ways to manage stress and cope with daily challenges.

Transition Support

A key component to gender-affirming therapy is that of transition support. We have the expertise to provide guidance through social, legal, and medical transitions for our transgender clients. We help clients navigate important decision-making processes, such as: 

  • Social transition – name changes, pronoun usage, public restroom usage, etc. 
  • Legal changes – updating and obtaining legal identification documents, such as driver’s license, passport, Social Security card, birth certificate, etc.  
  • Medical interventions – considerations for hormone therapy, surgery, hair removal, speech therapy etc. 

Family Therapy

Family support is crucial in gender affirming care. It has been shown that when families and loved ones are involved in treatment, it significantly and positively impacts the mental health and well-being of transgender individuals, especially in youth. 

During family therapy we help families understand and support their trans loved ones. It is a place to educate and learn to communicate and strengthen relationships. 

Family involvement helps to provide a safe and accepting environment for trans individuals. Rates of distress, depression, self-loathing, and suicidal ideation are drastically reduced with family support. 

An involved family helps foster positive self-esteem and overall quality of life when people feel affirmed by their loved ones. 

Understanding Gender Identity

Gender identity is an internal sense of one’s gender. For many, it matches up with what was assigned at birth. For others, it can be different. Gender identity is important because it is who you are at your core. Defining it helps people understand themselves and how they fit into society. 

What Is Gender Identity?

Gender exists on a spectrum. Gender identity can fall into several categories: 

  • Transgender – transgender (trans) is an umbrella term used to describe a person whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth. For example, a transgender male is someone who was assigned the gender female when they were born, but who is male. 
  • Gender-diverse – a broad umbrella term used to describe a person whose gender identity differs from the gender they were assigned at birth, or whose gender identity is outside of male or female.
  • Nonbinary – a person whose gender identity is neither male nor female. They may have more than one gender, no gender, or a gender that’s a combination of multiple genders.
  • Genderfluid – gender identity or expression is not fixed, but rather fluctuates and may shift over time.
  • Agender – a person whose gender identity is outside the categories of male or female, and nonbinary, who experiences themselves as having no gender..
  • Cisgender – gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. 

Gender identity does not necessarily correlate to sexual orientation. Sexual orientation refers to the attraction (physical, romantic, emotional) that a person feels towards another person, but it doesn’t have a bearing on one’s gender identity. 

Common Challenges Faced by Transgender Individuals

It is common, but not universal, for transgender and gender-diverse people to experience psychological or emotional distress. They may feel ill at ease in their body, have self-loathing, depression, or anxiety because of current societal norms and customs, which have unfairly pathologized their experience. The term for this is “gender dysphoria’. 

 

Gender dysphoria is a mental health condition as defined by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The DSM is the authoritative guide used by healthcare professionals to diagnose mental disorders.

 

Transgender and gender-diverse people may experience several challenges, including social, emotional, and physical hurdles: 

 

Social Challenges

  • Discrimination or unfair treatment
  • Stigma 
  • Difficulties accessing healthcare
  • Violence, abuse, harassment
  • Lack of legal protection
  • Lack of proper identity documents (driver’s license, passport, etc), because many states don’t allow for gender-diverse determination
  • Poverty

 

Emotional Challenges

  • Mental health issues, like depression, anxiety, isolation 
  • Gender dysphoria
  • Low self-image
  • Substance use and abuse

 

Limited Access to Gender-Affirming Care

  • Difficulty finding providers who support the discomfort around having secondary sex characteristics that do not align with their gender identity
  • Hormone replacement needs can be difficult to access.
  • Gender-affirming surgery–not only accessing and navigating the process of surgery but also coping with potential complications and recovery
  • Limited availability of compassionate care for Increased health issues, like cancer, heart disease, metabolic disease

 

Everyone’s experience is different, and trans and gender-diverse individuals could face many more challenges, depending on each unique situation. Seeking help from a mental health professional who specializes in gender identity and who can personalize treatment can make a huge difference in how you feel and navigate life and well-being. 

The Importance of Support and Acceptance

Acknowledgment and support of gender identity is an important way to validate, empower, and include all trans individuals. A gender-affirming environment may include the following: 

  • Use of inclusive language, such as correct pronouns 
  • Validate a person’s identity after a mistake, such as misgendering someone. Acknowledge and correct yourself as soon as you notice your error. 
  • Correct those around you when they misgender somebody.
  • Educate family and community about gender.
  • Provide spaces that are safe, comfortable, and welcoming, such as establishing gender-neutral bathroom facilities, sports, activities, and spaces. 
  • Allow the expression of their gender identity, especially with children, such as dressing in clothing they choose, wearing hairstyles they want, and using their self-identifying names. 

Gender-affirming care consists of various social, psychological, behavioral, and medical interventions designed to support and affirm an individual’s gender identity. It helps individuals  healthily and safely live in an open and authentic way.. 

 

Gender-affirming care improves the mental health and overall well-being of gender-diverse individuals. It is supportive and life-saving. 

Why Choose Cabot Psychological Services

At Cabot, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for everyone of any gender identity or sexual orientation. 

Expertise in Transgender Care

Several of the therapists at Cabot specialize in gender-affirming mental health services. With current societal norms and customs, gender identity can be a difficult and emotional road that nobody should have to navigate on their own. 

 

Our professionals work with clients experiencing gender dysphoria using varied and personalized mental health approaches that aim to recognize and affirm clients for who and where they are.

Safe and Affirming Environment

Cabot has created a space where you can be yourself and explore what it’s like to really be who you are. We offer therapy online and in-person, whichever is most comfortable for you.

Convenient Locations and Flexible Scheduling

We offer our services In-person and online in the Minneapolis and Edina areas. Our offices are accessible and conveniently located: 

Edina

Our main office in Edina is conveniently located just off Highway 100 between 494 and Hwy. 62 at the W 77th Street/Industrial Blvd. exit. Free parking is available outside the building and we are in Suite #450, located on the fourth floor.​

 

Cabot Psychological Services, Edina

7301 Ohms Lane, #450

Edina, Minnesota 55439

 

Minneapolis, MN 

The Minneapolis office is located near Loring Park and the Walker Art Museum, on the third floor of the Ireys Mansion. It is within a quarter mile of several freeways in the Twin Cities and can be reached without the congestion and parking challenges of downtown. The offices are within walking distance of several Metro Transit bus lines, and have free (and ample)  lot and street parking.

 

Cabot Psychological Services, Minneapolis

401 Groveland Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55403

Benefits of Gender-Affirming Therapy

Gender-affirming therapy is designed to support people with gender-related issues in exploring their true identity. It provides a safe space to discuss and navigate difficult challenges, like discrimination. Clients learn new coping skills and discover how to make informed decisions.  

 

Gender-affirming care is life changing and lifesaving. Benefits include:

  • Improved Mental Health – Reduced anxiety, depression, and dysphoria
  • Enhanced self-esteem – Embracing your identity with pride and confidence
  • Stronger Relationships – Building connections with supportive peers and family

How to Get Started with Cabot

Scheduling an Appointment

We offer several different ways for you to easily schedule your first appointment to begin your journey with us: 

  • Book online
  • Call or text (952) 831-2000
  • Email info@cabotpsychologicalservices.com 
  • Fill out our Contact form

Daytime, evening and weekend appointments are available.

 

Call or Book an Appointment

What to Expect in Therapy

After you schedule your first appointment, you will complete the necessary paperwork to get started. There are 3 options for submitting new client paperwork: 

  • Through our online client portal 
  • Print them out and bring them with you to your appointment 
  • Email them to your clinician prior to your appointment

During your first visit to Cabot, we will do a complete intake that will include your mental health background and your areas of concern. Clients will have time to explain why they’re there and discuss details about the areas for which you are seeking help. 

We will spend time addressing your questions and concerns, and discuss what a reasonable and tailored treatment plan might look like for you, including frequency of visits. 

Insurance and Payment Plans

We strive to make care accessible and affordable. Below are options for payment:

  1. You may pay through our portal: https://cabotpsych.clientsecure.me/. If using a credit card on the portal, please note that the credit card charges a 3.15% fee for all transactions, which will show up on a future statement.
  2. You may send a check in the mail to Cabot at 7301 Ohms Lane, Suite 450, Edina, MN, 55439.
  3. Save a stamp and send a check through your bank. If you add Cabot to your billpay, it’s as easy as clicking a button.
  4. Bring payment (cash, check or card) to your session and your clinician can assist you.

If your balance is higher than expected, or out of reach as a single payment, reach out to us at billing@cabotpsychologicalservices.com, or 952-831-2000, and we can set up a payment plan with you. Our priority is getting you the care you need, and we will help assist with making payment manageable.

One other option for balances that are high is to look into an account with www.carecredit.com . This credit card offers plans that spread out payments over 6, 12 or 18 months, deferring interest if paid in full by the end of the plan. Cabot is registered with carecredit, and you may use their credit card here.

Resources and Support

In addition to individual and family therapy, we also offer various other types of resources and support as part of our integrative approach to gender-affirming mental healthcare:

Support Groups

Support groups for trans individuals, along with other resources, are available through the following organizations: 

  1. Minnesota TransGender Alliance: http://www.minnesotatransgenderalliance.com/
  2. Twin Cities Pride: https://tcpride.org/community-resources/

Online Resources

  1. 24 hour Trans Lifeline, 877-565-8860, https://translifeline.org/
  2. The Trevor Project, 866-488-7386, or text START to 678678, https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/  
  3. Blackline (BIPOC LGBTQ+ folks) – 800-604-5841

Success Stories

Personal Journeys

  • Stories of empowerment and acceptance

 Testimonials

  • What our clients say about their experiences

Client & family testimonials

"Sessions with Amanda are empowering.

Sessions with Amanda are empowering. She is a deeply kind therapist who has helped me to process, heal, and develop as a person.

—Kelly

"I have been a client of Cabot since the inception in 2010

I have been a client of Cabot since the inception in 2010; my experience with the therapists and administrative staff have always been positive. I trust them and have referred both family and friends to Cabot and all have come back thanking me for the referral and have benefited from the caring and compassionate work of the Cabot staff.

—KM

"Cabot provides a welcoming and safe environment

Cabot provides a welcoming and safe environment for those who may be struggling or need additional support. Each time I come for an appointment I am welcomed with a smile and hello not only from my therapist but others who pass through the waiting room.

—KG

FAQs Section

Yes. Therapy with Cabot is confidential. We have strict privacy policies in place that our clinicians are trained to protect. Information discussed within a therapy session will be held confidential unless requested by the client. 

 

Clients will receive written information about our privacy policies at their first visit. This information should explain that there are a few clear exceptions to the privacy rule, which include: 

  • Client danger – if the client poses a danger to themselves or others
  • Child abuse – if the therapist suspects abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise vulnerable adult
  • Court order – if the therapist is legally forced to share information via court order or subpoena

Yes. Cabot therapists can draft Letters of Medical Necessity, particularly when recommending specific therapies or treatments for their patients. It is common for therapists to draft letters of support to advocate for insurance coverage for surgery, such as in a transgender procedure (e.g. top surgery, bottom surgery, etc.). 

 

Therapists are not legally or ethically required to write letters for clients. However, they can choose to write a letter if it is clinically and ethically appropriate. 

At Cabot we feel strongly about being allies for the LGBTQIA+ community, including non-binary individuals. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for everyone of any gender identity or sexual orientation. 

 

Our professionals work with clients experiencing gender dysphoria by utilizing a personalized and comprehensive approach to mental health. We tailor treatment using various evidence-based modalities, such as CBT, DBT skills, ACT, trauma-informed therapy, and EMDR, to name a few. 

We aim to recognize and affirm clients for who they are, and help them identify their own strengths so that they can overcome difficult situations and emotions in a safe and supportive environment. 

Contact Us Today

Take the next step toward self-discovery and contact Cabot today. 

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