The Trans Support Service (TSS) provides psychological help to transgender, and gender non-conforming people aged 18 upwards with a GP in Knowsley, Liverpool or Sefton area.
The TSS is a service for those questioning their gender and wanting to explore their identity in a safe and psychologically informed way. It is separate to Transcend our Gender Identity Service, which supports people who identify as trans or non-binary and want to access medical transition. You can be referred to the TSS by your GP, or you can self-refer using our online web form.
If you feel confident in your gender identity and know that you would like to medically transition (for example, start your hormone therapy), please follow the link to the Transcend Gender Identity Service. They will be able to support you with this process.
The TSS is a service for people who want to explore their gender. Here, we will support you on your journey of self-discovery, helping you to better understand yourself, ease gender-related distress, and feel empowered to move forward with your life.
We offer a confidential therapeutic space to discuss issues directly related to your gender identity, providing an assessment of your needs and up to a maximum of 12 sessions of therapy (which includes your assessment). The therapeutic work will be focused only on your gender needs and identity and any gender related distress. It will not directly treat other mental health needs, and we will signpost you in the right direction for support should this be required.
Everyone has different hopes for what they might gain from their sessions. You may wish to explore your personal history and reflect on how questioning your gender, or distress related to your gender identity, has influenced different aspects of your life, including your relationships, social life, work, or other day-to-day responsibilities. The overall aim of the sessions is to support you in developing greater clarity about your gender identity, enhancing your self-esteem and confidence, reducing distress and anxiety, and enabling you to make informed decisions about your future.
To access the service, you should be over 18 years and your GP should be in either Knowsley, Liverpool or Sefton areas.
You can:
- Discuss issues relating to your gender identity, including gender questioning, exploring your experience of gender, developing greater clarity about your identity, and considering whether social and/or medical transition feels like the right next step for you.
- Seek psychological support and wellbeing advice to relieve gender distress
- Seek information about support groups available in the area.
TSS is not:
- part of the assessment process for a diagnosis of gender dysphoria
- a pre-requisite to access any other service relating to gender affirming treatment
- for medical advice regarding gender affirming medical interventions
- a crisis service. If you need crisis support call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. In an emergency ring 999.
Please consider the following before you refer:
If you are currently being seen or having counselling or psychological therapy elsewhere, it would not be appropriate to be seen by our service.
If you are currently undergoing medical interventions to transition (for example gender-affirming hormone therapy) and feel that you need psychological support, please discuss this with your current Gender Identity Clinic and/or GP who can offer support.
If you are currently on the waitlist for a Gender Identity Clinic, we would not be able to accept your referral.
If you need support for your mental and/or physical health and it is not gender-related, please speak with your GP.
Inclusion criteria
- You are aged 18 or over.
- You are registered with a GP in Knowsley, Liverpool, or Sefton.
- You are questioning or exploring your gender identity.
Exclusion criteria
- You are under the age of 18.
- You are currently undergoing medical transition (for example, you are taking hormone treatment), either through the NHS or a private provider.
- You are currently on the waiting list for a Gender Identity Clinic.
- You are receiving therapy or counselling.
Self refer using our online web form.
Therapeutic support and advice are also available from other organisations, including:
- Waiting well
- Sahir House (Liverpool)
- Body Positive (Cheshire and Warrington)
- The Trans Support Service is only available to people aged 18 or over. If you are aged under 18, support is available from YPAS.
Our wait times for psychology are long, and we know life does not stop for you whilst you are waiting.
Our dedicated web page is a waiting well pack we’ve developed that has various support websites and resources which may be helpful.
Our patients matter
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens and responds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver.
If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and Complaints Team
Telephone: 0151 471 2377
Freephone: 0800 328 2941
Email: palsandcomplaints
To request information in an alternative format or language please speak to a member of staff.