Free Gender-Affirming Gear
We Are Family Charleston - Free gender-affirming gear (binders, packers, tuck kits, etc.) for South Carolina youth
Name Change Information
Change Your Name, Change Your Life- South Carolina individuals looking for support in the name change process may reach out to Greg (greg@harriethancockcenter.org). Financial assistance is available in cases of need.
Free Mental Health Services for LGBTQIA+ Youth in South Carolina
We Are Family provides free mental health services for LGBTQI+ youth aged 24 and younger. Interested parties must complete an application or re-application through their website: https://www.wearefamilycharleston.org/mha.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Kristl Tomlin, MD, FACOG. I cannot recommend this woman more. Trauma informed, epic ally. She really shows up for our community no matter what your gender is, what your sexual orientation is or how many people you love. She is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist with Prisma Health in Columbia, South Carolina that manages HRT for folks of all sexes. She is also a boss re: AFAB gender affirming surgery first steps and can help coordinate later steps with her colleague Dr. Burrish.
Planned Parenthood of Columbia offers hormone replacement therapy with informed consent. For more information, you may reach out to them at (803) 256-4908 or through their website at https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/south-carolina/columbia/29204/columbia-health-center-2646-90860.
Additional Therapy Providers
Sander Tyler (she/her) is a Genderqueer therapist based in Georgia who is also licensed to practice in South Carolina via telehealth. Tyler works with individuals from many different communities: LGBTQIA+, Polyamory, Kink, BDSM, Sex workers, Adult Film Workers, Transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive. https://www.cultivatingjoy.net/.
Sien Rivera, MD ( they/them), Clinical specialties include LGBTQIA-inclusive mental health care, psychoanalytic psychotherapies, technology and media, and play therapy. Dr. Rivera is a member of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and is co-chair of the Committee on Gender and Sexuality of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA). https://doctors.prismahealth.org/provider/Sien+Susumu+Rafael+Rivera/2188663.
Allie Lehr, LMFT, is a counselor in the Columbia area who focuses on helping you heal relationships. These could be romantic, family or friendships. She has experience with poly systems, takes a sex and body positive approach, and is LGBTQIA+ affirming. https://www.emeraldcounselingsc.com/.
Support Groups Resource
Peer Support Space, Inc., offers the following free, non-clinical, peer-led support groups hosted by Peer Support Space taking place in Eastern Time (EST). New friends are always welcome. Registration is required
https://peersupportspace.org/community-gatherings-1#e0b055f9-1ba2-41c5-843b-30f0e9951699
Free Gender Affirmation Letters
The GALAP- The GALAP is a grassroots, volunteer project that aims to increase access to free letters for gender-affirming medical care. Galap is not a group practice and are not able to respond to direct/urgent requests for letters. Their directory of free letter providers is here: https://thegalap.org/directory.
Melinda Ledlow, LPC, offers no-cost gender-affirmation letters, even to non-clients. Ledlow also offers neurodivergence-inclusive therapy options. All sessions are currently being held via telehealth, and she provides counseling for South Carolina, George, and Kansas. https://www.nurturingdivergence.com/
STI Testing
The South Carolina Department of Health (DHEC) offers robust STI testing at some locations, including the Richland County main office and the Lexington County main office (My preferred location despite its distance from me. They have their testing system sorted out). https://scdhec.gov/health/health-public-health-clinics.
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Healthcare
CAN Community Health has been serving the needs of the HIV community for over 30 years. We are a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the treatment, care and continual wellness of people living with HIV. Our clinics offer the finest medical, dental, psychological care and lifestyle counseling to all patients, regardless of their financial situation, insurance status, or ability to pay. CAN Community Health offers comprehensive care, medical care, dental care, counseling and therapy, case management, education and peer support, and more. Information may be found on their website: https://www.cancommunityhealth.org/can-services-education/.
Gender-Affirming Surgery
Dr. Nikki Burish is a plastic surgeon and is affiliated with Prisma Health Richland Hospital. She received her medical degree from University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and has been in practice between 6-10 years. Dr. Burish performs gender-affirming surgery for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Trans and Gender Expansive Therapy Group at UofSC
Do you identify as transgender, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming?
Do you want to live a values-driven life?
Trans and Gender Expansive Therapy Group
QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE GROUP
● Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
● Focuses on trans mental health and well-being, including marginalization, stress, depression, anxiety,
and gender euphoria
● 8 weeks (attendance required) and costs $0 (free!)
● Will meet in-person from 6pm-7:30pm on Thursdays beginning March 30 at the Psychology Services Center (1331 Elmwood Avenue Suite 140, Columbia, SC 29201)
● Led by culturally-sensitive doctoral student therapistswho are supervised by a licensed psychologist
● Limited to 12 people (ages 18+) - so sign up soon! (To apply, go to: bit.ly/uscTGE)
Affirming Psychiatric Care
Dr. Matthew Gaskins completed both his undergraduate and medical school training at the University of South Carolina. After completing medical school in 2010, he continued his training in General Psychiatry at Palmetto Health/USC School of Medicine where he served as the chief resident in general psychiatry. Following his general psychiatric training, he completed a fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at Palmetto Health/USC School of Medicine. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry.
He is available for comprehensive evaluations of adults (age 18-65) seeking psychiatric services for medication assessment and diagnostic clarification. After a complete evaluation, he can provide medication management and discuss treatment options. He is available to complete examinations for the purpose of providing feedback or to offer a second opinion. He treats a variety of psychiatric illness including but not limited to depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and bipolar disorders.
Dr. Gaskins is available for forensic evaluations related to medico-legal questions. If calling for this type of evaluation please specify during the initial call.
More information may be found on the Southern Psychiatry website, https://www.southernpsychiatrysc.com/gaskins.html.
Pediatric Endocrinology
Dr. Lisa Knight is a pediatric endocrinologist affiliated with Prisma Health who works with adolescents (infancy to teens). More information and a scheduling link can be found at https://doctors.prismahealth.org/provider/Lisa+Marie+Knight/996519.