Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy in NYC
Access to gender-affirming care should be straightforward, respectful, and built around you — not buried in months of waitlists, gatekeeping, or providers who don't understand your needs.
At U Care MD, Dr. Kuan-Yu Chen provides gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) for transgender and nonbinary patients using an informed consent model, meaning you don't need a letter from a therapist to begin care. You and Dr. Chen will have an open conversation about your goals, medical history, and what to expect — and you can move forward at a pace that feels right for you.
What's Included
-
Initial consultation — a thorough, judgment-free conversation about your goals, health history, and what gender-affirming care can look like for you
-
Baseline labs — bloodwork to establish a starting point and rule out any contraindications
-
Prescription and dosing — starting and adjusting hormone therapy (estrogen, testosterone, or anti-androgens) based on your individual response and goals
-
Ongoing monitoring — regular follow-up labs and visits to track your levels and adjust treatment safely over time
-
Coordination with other care — referrals for surgical consultations, endocrinology, or mental health support, if and when you want them
Why Choose U Care MD for Gender-Affirming Care
Informed Consent, Not Gatekeeping
You know your identity. Our role is to provide safe, medically sound care — not to act as gatekeepers to your own body. Dr. Chen uses an informed consent approach in line with WPATH guidelines, focusing on shared decision-making.
Same Doctor, Every Time
No rotating providers, no re-explaining your history at every visit. You'll work with Dr. Chen consistently, building a relationship and a treatment plan that evolves with you.
Direct Access Between Visits
Have a question about a side effect, a dosing adjustment, or just want to check in? Message Dr. Chen directly — no portals, no waiting on hold.
Integrated, Whole-Person Care
Gender-affirming therapy doesn't happen in isolation. As a Direct Primary Care practice, U Care MD also handles your routine primary care, mental health support, and any other health needs — all with the same doctor who already knows your story.
No Insurance Required
Membership covers your visits and consultations directly. Lab work can often be billed through insurance if you have it, or we can help you find affordable cash-pay lab options if you don't.
Who This Is For
Gender-affirming hormone therapy at U Care MD is available to transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming adults seeking to begin or continue hormone therapy, including those who:
-
Are new to hormone therapy and want a knowledgeable, affirming provider to start with
-
Are currently on hormone therapy and looking for a new provider for ongoing management
-
Have been told they need a therapist's letter elsewhere and are looking for an informed consent provider
-
Want a provider who can manage hormone therapy alongside their broader primary care needs
Care for Adolescents and Minors
U Care MD also provides gender-affirming hormone therapy for adolescents, in accordance with WPATH Standards of Care for minors. Unlike the informed consent model used for adult patients, care for minors involves:
-
Parent or legal guardian involvement in all visits, consultations, and decision-making
-
A comprehensive evaluation of the adolescent's gender history, development, and readiness for treatment
-
Collaboration with a mental health provider experienced in adolescent gender care, as part of a multidisciplinary approach
-
Ongoing monitoring of growth, development, and overall health throughout treatment
Families interested in gender-affirming care for a minor are encouraged to schedule a free virtual meet & greet to discuss the evaluation process, what to expect, and whether U Care MD is the right fit for your family's needs.
Getting Started
The first step is a free virtual meet & greet with Dr. Chen — a no-cost, no-obligation conversation to see if U Care MD is the right fit for your care. From there, if you decide to join, your first visit can begin the process: discussing your goals, reviewing your history, and ordering baseline labs.
Schedule your free meet & greet →
U Care MD is an LGBTQIA+ affirming Direct Primary Care practice located at 481 8th Ave, Suite 1144, New York, NY 10001, serving patients throughout Manhattan and New York City. Dr. Kuan-Yu Chen is a board-certified family medicine physician providing gender-affirming hormone therapy with an informed consent approach.

