Overview
MIT Health is committed to providing comprehensive, supportive, personalized healthcare and information to individuals with diverse expressions of gender and sexuality.
We understand that gender identity exists within a broad spectrum, and that transgender people and those with questions about gender identity may have unique needs that require experienced and supportive healthcare providers and services.
Our services include:
- Comprehensive primary care from healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ issues, including transgender health issues.
- Gender-affirming counseling, medical/hormonal treatment, surgical referrals, and letters of support to appropriate specialists.
- Mental health care and counseling, including Individual and group psychotherapy for LGBTQ-related issues such as coming out and exploring questions around sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Comprehensive gynecological care
- Sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment
- HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
If you have additional questions or concerns about your care or accessing services, contact Nurse Practitioner Colleen McDonald at 617-258-9355. For questions about health insurance coverage, students may contact the MIT Student Insurance Office at stuplan@med.mit.edu and employees may contact MIT Benefits at benefits@mit.edu or call 617-253-6151.
Care Providers
We believe it is essential that LGBTQ+ individuals are able to talk openly and honestly with their healthcare providers. Every clinician at MIT Health is supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. The list below includes providers from Student Mental Health & Counseling and Primary Care who have asked to be identified as having a special interest in caring for LGBTQ+ individuals and who have received special training on the health needs of transgender individuals. These clinicians work with MIT Health’s Gender and Sexuality Care Team, a group that provides coordinated care for LGBTQ+ patients, including transgender patients who want access to medical transitioning services. Transgender patients are not required to see clinicians on this team, but these providers may serve as a place to start when looking for a care provider in a specific clinical area.
LGBTQ Health, Mental Health and Counseling
Mia Gore, MD
Psychiatrist
Sevan Makhoulian, PhD
Psychologist
Erik A. Marks, MSW, LICSW
Coordinator, Access
Maria Minkova, PsyD
Psychologist
Louis Ostrowsky, MD
Psychiatrist
Karen Singleton, PhD
Deputy Chief Health Officer
LGBTQ Health, OB/GYN
Jennifer Shark, CNM
Certified Nurse Midwife
LGBTQ Health, Primary Care
Janet R. Lorang, MSN, FNP
Nurse Practitioner
Melissa A. Mackel, DO, CAQSM
Physician, Family/Sports Medicine
Colleen McDonald, MSN, FNP-BC
Clinical Director, Student Health
Allison Sherwood, MSN, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Resources & Links
Campus resources
LBGTQ@MIT: Support and information for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and friends.
“You are welcome here” resources
Map of all-gender restrooms on campus
Podcast: Transgender Health Services at MIT Health
Podcast: LGBTQ-centered care at MIT Health
Transgender care guidelines
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health
University of California San Francisco
Name and Gender Marker Changes
Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition
Additional resources
National LGBTIA+ Health Education Center: part of the Division of Education and Training at The Fenway Institute, an organization that works to advance health equity for traditionally underserved communities
Greater Boston PFLAG: Local chapter of a national organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts: Statewide AIDS/STD Hotline (1-800-235-2331). Hotline offers multilingual support. Free, confidential, and rapid HIV testing and counseling.
BAGLY: The Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth
Fenway Health: Serving the Boston-area LGBT community and those living with HIV/AIDS.