1.Melody Chow, LCSWVerified
6635 N Baltimore Ave, Portland, OR 97203
Anxiety · Behavioral Issues · Depression
psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/melody-chow-portland-or/1404983 · orcounselors.com/provider/melody-chow-portland
Transgender Therapists in Oregon
99 providers found
Transgender-affirming therapy provides support for gender exploration, transition, and the unique mental health challenges facing trans and nonbinary individuals. Oregon trans-affirming therapists offer a validating, knowledgeable space.
Oregon Counselor Directory lists 99 therapists who specialize in gender identity, transition support, and trans / nonbinary mental health as of April 2026. 79 offer telehealth, 31 accept Oregon Health Plan (which covers gender-affirming care including therapy and many transition-related services), 25 offer sliding-scale fees, and 87 are currently accepting new clients. Oregon has some of the strongest trans health protections in the country — gender-affirming care is a covered benefit on OHP and most commercial insurance, and providers are protected by state law. The directory's trans specialists provide identity exploration, transition navigation, WPATH-aligned letters for hormones and surgery when clinically appropriate, support for family members, and treatment of co-occurring concerns (anxiety, depression, trauma, gender dysphoria). The standard of care has moved firmly toward an informed-consent and affirming model rather than gatekeeping.
99providers listed
Licensed& verified
Telehealthoptions
OHP & insuranceaccepted
Refine
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Accepting
Fee
$135–$175 /session
In-network
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Video Introductions
Meet these providers before you reach out.
Related Articles
From Oregon providers writing about this topic.
View all resources →
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this coverage in Oregon.
How many Oregon therapists specialize in transgender care?
As of April 2026, there are 65 therapists in Oregon specializing in transgender care. This number reflects the growing availability of specialized support for transgender individuals within the state.
Do Oregon transgender therapists accept OHP/Oregon Health Plan?
Yes, 20 of the Oregon therapists specializing in transgender care accept the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). This can provide Medicaid-eligible transgender individuals with access to therapy at little or no cost, depending on their specific plan.
Is telehealth available for transgender therapy in Oregon?
Yes, 99 Oregon therapists specializing in transgender care offer telehealth services. This allows for greater accessibility to care, particularly for those in rural areas or with mobility constraints.
Do Oregon transgender therapists offer sliding scale fees?
Indeed, 99 Oregon therapists specializing in transgender care offer sliding scale fees. This can help make therapy more affordable for those who may not qualify for insurance coverage or have limited financial resources.
Are Oregon transgender therapists accepting new clients?
As of April 2026, 99 therapists specializing in transgender care in Oregon are accepting new clients. This high number indicates a strong capacity to provide care to new individuals seeking support.
What does "WPATH-aligned" mean and why does it matter for finding a therapist?
WPATH (the World Professional Association for Transgender Health) publishes the international Standards of Care for trans and gender-diverse people. The current edition (SOC-8, published 2022) establishes the affirming, informed-consent model as best practice. A WPATH-aligned Oregon therapist will follow these standards: not gatekeeping, recognizing that distress is usually about external factors (rejection, discrimination, dysphoria) rather than the gender itself, and writing letters for medical interventions when clinically appropriate without lengthy required "real-life experience" delays. Asking directly "do you practice WPATH SOC-8?" is a useful screening question.
Do I need a letter from a therapist to start hormones in Oregon?
It depends on the prescriber. Many Oregon clinics now operate on an informed-consent model that doesn't require a therapy letter — Planned Parenthood, Outside In, and several private practices among them. If your prescriber does require a letter, most Oregon trans-specialized therapists can write one within 1–3 sessions when clinically appropriate, not after months of mandatory therapy. The role of the letter is documentation, not gatekeeping. For surgeries, two letters are typically required — one is often from your primary therapist, the second from a separate evaluator.
Is therapy required in Oregon for kids and teens exploring gender?
Therapy is not legally required for minors exploring gender, but is strongly recommended for the family system as a whole — it's one of the strongest protective factors in mental-health outcomes for trans and gender-diverse youth. Family therapy with a knowledgeable provider (often involving the parents primarily, with the youth checking in periodically) is more useful than putting all the burden on the young person. Oregon has explicit legal protections for gender-affirming care for minors and bans conversion therapy.
99 Oregon therapists listed on Oregon Counselors Directory specialize in transgender care. Among these, 79 offer telehealth services, facilitating access to therapy for transgender individuals across Oregon regardless of location. 20 of these providers accept Oregon Health Plan (OHP), providing a cost-effective option for Medicaid-eligible transgender individuals seeking therapy. A significant 37 therapists offer sliding scale fees, making therapy more accessible for those with financial constraints. 87 providers are currently accepting new clients, and 53 offer in-person sessions. These therapists utilize evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gender Affirming Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care to support transgender clients.