Patient Guides

Confidence starts with clear guidance

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Your Guide to Feeling Informed, Prepared, and Supported

Starting your gender-affirming journey can come with a lot of questions, and you deserve answers that are clear, affirming, and easy to navigate.

Our patient guides break down each step of the process for common procedures, so you know what to expect and how to prepare.

 

What You’ll Find Inside Each Guide

Each guide is thoughtfully designed to meet you where you are, whether you’re just exploring or preparing for surgery.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • Surgeon and care team introductions

  • Procedure overviews in clear, easy-to-understand language

  • Preparation checklists so you feel ready, not rushed

  • Recovery timelines with realistic expectations

  • Emotional and physical considerations

  • Next steps to help you move forward confidently

Our goal is to give you the knowledge and reassurance to make decisions that feel right for you.

Explore Our Patient Guides

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Transitioning Female-to-Male
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Transitioning Male-to-Female
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Phalloplasty
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Vaginoplasty

REAL PEOPLE. REAL STORIES.

Learn More About 
Life After Transformation.

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Additional Healthcare Resources

Your gender-affirming journey may involve care that extends beyond our team. To help you find the right support at every step, we’ve put together a list of trusted community providers in the region who offer services many of our patients have found helpful. Whether you need a referral letter, mental health support, pre-op hair removal, or specialized care like OB/GYN or pelvic physical therapy, the providers below may be a good place to start.

Please note: The providers listed here are independent and not affiliated with The Center for Gender Affirmation. We share this information as a courtesy, and encourage you to research each provider, confirm insurance coverage, and reach out directly to learn more.

Medical Letter Referrals

1. Bergen New Bridge Medical Center

Contact: Jennifer Vanegas, Patient Navigator
Phone: (551) 207-0386
Fax: (551) 502-5326
Email: jvanegas@newbridgehealth.org
Address: 230 East Ridgewood Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652

2. Castle Connolly Private Health Partners — Dr. Thomas S. Ziering, MD

Phone: (908) 221-1919
Email: zieringmemberservices@ccphp.net
Address: 1201 Mt Kemble Ave, Suite 2D, Morristown, NJ 07960
Important Note: This provider is a fee-for-service practice and does not accept insurance. Appointments are completely out-of-pocket.

3. Dr. Michael S. Zito-Govert, APN

Phone: (732) 869-5702
Fax: (732) 869-5782
Address: 1828 W Lake Ave, Suite 203, Neptune, NJ 07752

4. Dr. Hannah Carrasco, DO

Phone: (973) 798-4777
Fax: (201) 523-9550
Address: 1 Bay Ave, Harries Pavilion, 2nd Floor, Suite 5, Montclair, NJ 07042

5. Virtua Pride Primary Care — Alberto M. Pascucci, PA & J. A. Scherer, APN

Phone: (856) 355-7144
Fax: (856) 355-7143
Address: 534 Lippincott Drive, Marlton, NJ 08053

6. Catherine Trossello, DMP, FMP-BC, AAHIVS — Atlantic Health

Phone: (973) 630-8989
Address: 14 Vose Ave, 2nd Floor, South Orange, NJ 07079

Mental Health Letter Referrals

1. Bergen New Bridge Medical Center

Contact: Jennifer Vanegas, Patient Navigator
Phone: (551) 207-0386
Fax: (551) 502-5326
Email: jvanegas@newbridgehealth.org
Address: 230 East Ridgewood Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652

2. Ellie Mental Health

Phone: (973) 321-7657
Fax: (973) 346-2786
Address: 6 Gates Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042

3. Edge New Jersey

Phone: (973) 285-0006
Address: 35 Waterview Blvd, Suite 201, Parsippany, NJ 07054

4. GSCC NJ

Phone: (973) 932-0433
Email: info@gsccnj.com

5. Mountainside Medical Center — Behavioral Health Services

Phone: (973) 429-6000
Address: 1 Bay Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042

6. Spectrum Health and Wellness

Phone: (973) 337-8632
Email: admin@spectrumhealthandwellnessllc.com
Important Note: This provider is a fee-for-service practice and does not accept insurance. Appointments are completely out-of-pocket.

7. Dr. Luca Pauselli, MD

Phone: (732) 295-6543
Fax: (732) 295-6204
Address: 1610 NJ-88, 3rd Floor, Brick, NJ 08724

8. Ashley Gambino, MA, LPC, LCADC

Address: 34 Central Ave, Madison, NJ 07940
Website: youdeservetherapy.com
Important Note: Appointments with this provider can only be scheduled through their website.

9. Resolution Counseling

Phone / Text: (201) 632-5554
Fax: (844) 866-6790
Email: office@resolutioncc.com
Address: 256 Broad Street, #2E, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 & 26 Journal Square, #505, Jersey City, NJ 07306

10. Gabriella Gomez — Hudson Pride Center

Phone: (201) 963-4779, ext. 1126
Fax: (201) 963-7983
Email: gabby@hudsonpride.org

11. Chris Geiger, MA, LPC — CogniCare Psychological Services

Phone: (908) 800-9590
Fax: (908) 255-4687
Email: info@cognicarepysch.com
Address: 971 US-202, Suite 2, Branchburg, NJ 08876

Pre-Op Hair Removal Referrals

1. Pelare by Courtney Champy (Electrolysis Hair Removal)

Phone / Text: (973) 954-7796
Email: pelareco@gmail.com
Address: 393 Route 17, Suite 003, Paramus, NJ 07652 (located inside Strand Salon)

Important Note: Reservation only. Reservations can be made at pelare.noterro.com.

2. IT Aesthetix (Laser Hair Removal)

Phone: (848) 217-5867
Address: 331 Newman Springs Road, Building 2, Suite 200, Red Bank, NJ 07701

OB/GYN Referrals

1. Dr. Olivia Roy, MD

Phone: (973) 341-3434
Fax: (978) 341-3437
Address: 1 Bay Ave, 2nd Floor, Suite 2N, Montclair, NJ 07042

Pelvic Physical Therapy

1. Dr. Alison Ankiewicz

Phone: (732) 508-9926
Address: 1300 NJ-35, Ocean Township, NJ 07712

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Looking For More Information?

Explore additional tools, FAQs, and educational content designed to support every stage of your journey.

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Have Questions? We’re Here to Help

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which patient guide is right for me?

Start with your transition pathway (FTM or MTF), then explore specific procedures you’re considering.

What should I do after reading a guide?

Write down your questions and schedule a consultation to discuss your options with a specialist.

Will the guide tell me if I’m a candidate?

Guides outline general criteria, but your eligibility is determined during a personalized consultation.

How accurate are recovery timelines?

They’re based on typical experiences, but your recovery may vary depending on your procedure and health.

Can I combine procedures?

In many cases, yes. Your care team will help you understand safe and effective combinations.

Do these guides include risks and complications?

Yes. We believe informed decisions come from understanding both benefits and considerations.

Will I have support after surgery?

Absolutely. Ongoing care, follow-ups, and recovery guidance are part of your journey.