USC Student Health is committed to providing comprehensive, integrated care for transgender students at USC. We understand that gender is a complex mix of cultural, biological and psychological factors. We use an integrative health model that can assist students with information and support related to transgender, genderqueer and non-binary health and wellness. Contact us at 213-740-9355 (WELL) or through the MySHR patient portal to make an appointment with a provider to discuss how we may support your needs.
Health Services
Each transgender person has a different story and may be at a different stage in their transition; with different needs and expectations. For that reason we recommend that all transgender patients make an appointment with a primary care clinician with experience in transgender care so that we can get to know you, review your medical history, and work with you to get you the assistance needed.
Your transgender care team at USC Student Health has specialized training and experience in transgender-related health care inquiries, hormone treatment, counseling, consultations, and referrals.
Medical Team
Haley Clause, WHNP, Pronouns: she, hers
Specialist, transgender health
Trudy Kao, FNP-BC, Pronouns: she, hers
Specialist, transgender health
Jazmine Mayfield, PA-C, MPH, MSPAS, Pronouns: she, hers
Specialist, transgender health
Patty Pinanong, M.D., Pronouns: she, her, hers
Specialist, transgender health
Counseling and Mental Health Team
All CMH clinicians strive to provide gender-affirming care; services include providing letters of support for surgery. The following clinicians currently provide such letters for USC students:
Matthew Brinkley, Psy.D. LMFT, Pronouns: he, him, his
Riley Davis, LMFT, Pronouns: they, them, theirs
Guru Khalsa, LMFT, Pronouns: she, her, hers
Ekta Kumar, Psy.D., Pronouns: she, her, hers
Dustin Nowaskie, M.D., (Psychiatry) Pronouns: they, them, theirs
Gender-Affirming Care celebrates 10 years at USC Student Health
In a look back on the past 10 years, current and former clinical providers had an opportunity to recall the origins and differences that have helped make the team what it is today.
Read the full story at USC Today.
Patient Options
Hormone Therapy: If you are interested in hormone therapy, please make an appointment to see a transgender care medical provider.
Surgery: When you meet with your gender-affirming care provider in Student Health, you can discuss your concerns about surgery and the process involved; you are also encouraged to make an appointment with a provider in Counseling and Mental Health services, so letter(s) of support can be arranged as part of the surgical care process.
- When you have connected with a provider who will perform your surgery, the surgeon’s office will file pre-authorization paperwork with your insurance provider, as will as manage consultation visits.
- SHIP/Aetna plan requires one letter from a behavioral health provider for breast surgery or genital surgery.
Insurance Benefits
Student Health Insurance Plan Benefits: Transgender surgery and hormones are covered benefits of the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) provided through Aetna. For additional details, contact Aetna Member Services line for USC students at 1-877-626-2299 (TTY: 711). Please see pages 13-19 of the SHIP update for additional information.
A patient navigator from Aetna can help answer your questions about coverage and pre-certification requirements from health care providers for procedures.
You may be covered for a variety of surgeries, including:
• Breast reduction, removal or augmentation
• Removal of reproductive organs
• Creation of exterior sexual organs
For patients with non-SHIP insurance, please contact your member services (located on the back of your insurance card) to determine coverage for benefits.
Additional Campus Resources
LGBTQ+ Student Center
Provides information on transgender resources, including gender and/or name changes, housing concerns, insurance information and programming and support. Offices are located in Student Union 202.
Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services, USC Student Health
Provides services for any survivor of gender-based harm, including sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking.
All-Gender Restrooms on Campus
Note: You are welcome to use any restroom that you would like to in the student health centers.