Gender affirming care is essential, evidence-based medical care that supports individuals in living as their authentic selves. At our practice, we recognize that primary care providers play a crucial role in creating access to this care—whether for a teenager beginning to explore their identity, an adult seeking hormone therapy, or someone simply looking for respectful, routine care in an affirming setting.
Grounded in science and endorsed by leading medical organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Endocrine Society, gender affirming care is not elective—it’s life-saving. Research consistently shows that access to gender affirming care is associated with decreased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality, and improves overall well-being for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals. For too long, these patients have faced barriers to care.
What Is Gender Affirming Care?
Gender affirming care encompasses a range of medical, psychological, and supportive services that help people align their lived experience with their gender identity when it differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. This includes—but is not limited to—hormone therapy, puberty blockers, surgery referrals, legal documentation assistance, and mental health support.
Our practice offers a comprehensive gender affirming care program for adolescents (ages 16+) and adults. We provide in-person and telehealth services to patients in Rockville, Bethesda, Montgomery County, and the greater Washington, DC area.
The Impact of Gender Affirming Medical Care
The benefits of gender affirming medical treatments are supported by a growing body of scientific evidence. Studies have shown that transgender individuals who receive gender affirming hormone therapy experience significant improvements in mental health, including lower rates of depression and anxiety, reduced suicidal ideation, and improved quality of life. In adolescents, access to puberty blockers and hormone therapy has been linked to a lower risk of future mental health crises and a greater sense of self-worth and life satisfaction. Furthermore, long-term data show that when transgender adults are supported with medically appropriate care, they report higher levels of social functioning and reduced psychological distress. These findings reinforce what many patients already know to be true: affirming care is not just supportive—it’s transformative and protective.
Our Gender Affirming Services
While each patient has their own individual needs, we offer personalized gender affirming care through a structured, one-year program that includes:
- Initial Gender Health Evaluations: We start with a comprehensive consultation to understand each patient’s goals, medical history, mental health needs, and identity journey.
- Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT): We offer individualized estrogen or testosterone therapy for patients age 16 and up, following clinical guidelines and the informed consent model (for adults).
- Ongoing Monitoring & Follow-Up: Patients receive labs, follow-up visits at regular intervals, and ongoing access to Dr. Taskier via email or phone throughout the year.
- Letters & Referrals: We provide support for surgical letters, legal documentation, and referrals to affirming mental health and fertility providers.
- Collaborative, Team-Based Approach: Especially for teens, we work closely with parents/guardians and mental health providers to ensure safe, thoughtful care.
- Inclusive Primary Care: Patients enrolled in our primary care concierge program also receive gender-sensitive screenings and preventive care tailored to their anatomy and identity.
Affirming Care for Adolescents
For adolescents ages 16 and 17, we offer hormone therapy and puberty blockers (when indicated), always with consent from a parent or guardian and collaboration with a qualified mental health provider. We follow standards of care from professional organizations like WPATH and the Endocrine Society to ensure safety and age-appropriate support.
A Safe, Supportive Space for All
Our goal is to create an environment where all LGBTQIA+ patients feel seen, respected, and safe. Whether you’re sure about beginning medical transition, already on that path and looking for a new provider, or still exploring your identity, we’re here to meet you where you are.
Start Your Journey With Us
If you or a loved one is interested in starting gender affirming care, we invite you to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Taskier. For those still exploring their options, we offer free 30-minute “meet and greet” appointments to answer your questions.
Primary care is often the first point of contact for health concerns—gender care should be no exception. We are proud to offer medically sound, emotionally affirming, and deeply respectful care to those seeking to live fully and authentically. Your identity is valid. Your care should be too.