Mental Health
Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic
179-183 Fulham Palace Road,London, London W6 8QZ
Overview
Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic is a specialist NHS facility located in the Fulham area of West London, operating as part of the National Health Service's gender identity services. The clinic provides comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for individuals experiencing gender dysphoria or seeking gender-affirming care. It serves patients across a wide geographical area and has established itself as one of the major gender identity clinics in the UK healthcare system.
The clinic offers a range of services including initial consultations, psychological assessments, hormone therapy management, and coordination of surgical referrals for eligible patients. The team typically comprises psychiatrists, psychologists, endocrinologists, and other healthcare professionals who work collaboratively to provide holistic care tailored to individual needs. Services are available through NHS referral, and patients are generally referred by their GP.
The facility maintains a commitment to providing evidence-based, person-centred care while ensuring appropriate safeguarding and assessment protocols. Patients should contact their GP to arrange a referral or contact NHS England's Gender Identity Services for more information about accessing care at this clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can access mental health services at Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic in London through a GP referral, self-referral (available for NHS Talking Therapies and some community services), or through NHS 111 if you need urgent support. Contact 020 8483 2801 to find out about referral pathways and current waiting times. In a crisis, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or call the Samaritans on 116 123.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. For a mental health crisis, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option for 24/7 support, contact your local Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team, call the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7), text SHOUT to 85258, or attend A&E if you feel unsafe. If you are already known to Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic, you may have a crisis plan with direct contact numbers.
Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic offers a range of evidence-based therapies which may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), counselling, psychotherapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), group therapy, art and creative therapies, and family therapy. The specific therapies available depend on the service. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs.
Yes, all treatment at Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic is strictly confidential under NHS policy and data protection law. Information is only shared with healthcare professionals directly involved in your care. Confidentiality may only be broken in exceptional circumstances where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, a court order, or a safeguarding obligation.
Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic recognises the impact of mental illness on families and carers. Support may include family meetings with the clinical team, carer support groups, information sessions about conditions and treatments, signposting to organisations like Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, and Carers UK, and involvement in care planning with the patient's consent.
Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic provides support for a wide range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, personality disorders, eating disorders, psychosis and schizophrenia, perinatal mental health, and complex emotional difficulties.
Your first appointment is usually an assessment lasting 45-60 minutes. A mental health professional will ask about your current difficulties, their impact on your life, your mental health history, physical health, medication, and what you hope to achieve. This is a collaborative conversation — you will not be pressured to share anything you are not comfortable with. After the assessment, you will discuss the most suitable treatment options.
Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic may offer group therapy programmes which provide peer support alongside professional guidance. Groups may focus on anxiety management, depression recovery, DBT skills, mindfulness and stress reduction, bereavement, and substance misuse support. Groups are led by trained therapists and typically run for 8-12 weeks. Ask 020 8483 2801 about current group programmes.
Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic may provide or link to services for people with dual diagnosis (co-occurring mental health and substance misuse problems). Support can include assessment, counselling, harm reduction advice, detox support, and referral to specialist addiction services. Contact 020 8483 2801 for information about substance misuse support.
Yes, Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic may offer remote therapy options including telephone sessions, video consultations, and guided online self-help programmes. Remote therapy is clinically effective for many conditions and offers greater flexibility. It is particularly helpful for those with mobility issues, caring responsibilities, or who prefer the comfort of their own home. Ask about remote options when you are referred.
Some services at Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic accept self-referrals without needing to see your GP first. NHS Talking Therapies (for anxiety and depression) can be accessed by self-referral in most areas. Other services such as Community Mental Health Teams and specialist services usually require a GP or professional referral. Contact 020 8483 2801 to check which services you can self-refer to.
Waiting times vary depending on the service and urgency. NHS Talking Therapies aims to start treatment within 6 weeks of referral. Community Mental Health Team assessments may take 4-12 weeks. Urgent referrals are prioritised. Contact 020 8483 2801 for current waiting times. While waiting, you can access self-help resources, crisis lines, and wellbeing apps recommended by the NHS.
If you have complex mental health needs, Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic may use the Care Programme Approach (CPA). Under CPA you will have a named care coordinator, a comprehensive care plan developed with you, regular reviews of your care and progress, and a structured plan for when you are ready to be discharged from the service. CPA ensures coordinated, person-centred care across different services.
Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic may offer or link to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for young people up to 18. Services include assessment and therapy for anxiety, depression, self-harm, eating disorders, ADHD, autism, and behavioural difficulties. Referrals can come from GPs, schools, or in some areas through self-referral. Some areas also have early intervention teams for young people experiencing psychosis.