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What is Transcend psychology?
The psychology team at Transcend provides specialised support for individuals on the gender treatment pathway. The team offers a range of interventions, including individual and group therapy, to address gender related concerns or distress such as anxiety, low mood, self esteem, and relationships.
Psychologists also contribute to diagnostic assessments, evaluate readiness for medical and surgical interventions, and collaborate with other specialists to ensure holistic care. If your needs are better met by local mental health services, the team can facilitate referrals to ensure appropriate support.
How do I get referred to psychology at Transcend?
Referrals to psychological therapy are made through discussions with a Transcend clinician, usually during first assessment or follow up. While many individuals may not need psychological support, therapy is available for those seeking space to reflect, explore gender identity, or manage challenges before medical interventions. Extended assessments are offered for those needing more time to consider their gender identity and readiness for interventions.
I have been referred to psychology, what happens next?
Your referral will be triaged by our Psychology team. Please note that due to high demand, there may be a significant waiting period. Once you are nearing the top of the waiting list, you will be contacted by one of our Psychology team for an initial assessment with one of our psychologists.
What happens when I receive an appointment?
We offer online, virtual or face to face appointments. Please note, face to face appointments are based in Liverpool city centre. If you have specified a preference for online or face to face, this will be
considered prior to you receiving confirmation of an appointment. If you need to cancel or change the appointment, please let us know as soon as possible.
What if I cannot make the appointment?
If you need to cancel or change your appointment, please let us know a minimum of 24 hours before so we can reschedule. If you fail to do so, it will count as a missed appointment.
Please note, two consecutive missed appointments without prior notice, may result in you being discharged from the waiting lis.
What to expect from an initial assessment?
An initial psychology assessment typically last approximately 90 minutes. You do not need to have prepared anything in advance, we just want to get to know you. We will discuss your referral and spend time getting to understand your experiences to date and think about what you may wish to address through gender related psychology.
At the end of the assessment, we will discuss and agree next steps. This could include starting a course of therapy or continuing with an extended assessment. The plan will be tailored to best meet your individual needs.
What does therapy look like at Transcend?
We offer one to one (face to face and video) therapy options to people. We are looking to also offer group interventions in the future. The people we see may present with concerns about gender related anxiety, low mood, self esteem, and relationship issues. The work we do is person centred and individually tailored to each person’s needs. This includes working in a joined up way with other colleagues to support people with specific medical interventions they might be receiving via Transcend as part of their transition. We aim to undertake therapy, explore with people and build an understanding whilst also working to the strengths of an individual to empower them to take the next step in their journey.
What is an extended assessment?
At Transcend, diagnostic assessments occur over a minimum of two sessions, however, some people may require more time, thought, or discussion about this and the path they choose regarding their gender transition. As such, psychologists within the team offer extended assessments to people who would benefit from more time to explore their gender and whether a diagnosis and readiness for medical intervention is appropriate for them.
Contact us
151 Dale Street
Liverpool, L2 2AH
Phone: 0151 317 8581
Email: Transcend
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.
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
V7 Building
Kings Business Park
Prescot
Merseyside
L34 1PJ
Telephone: 0151 471 2377 - freephone: 0800 328 2941
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Approval date: 19 June 2025
Review date: 19 June 2026
Version number: 1