Visiting a doctor can be daunting for LGBTQ people. LGBTQ patients may worry about being judged or discriminated against, or may not know whether their doctor is knowledgeable about LGBTQ health issues.
Knowing that your healthcare professional is non-judgmental and welcoming of queer people can make the experience more comfortable and lead to better health outcomes. The doctors and medical centers on this list make an effort to let LGBTQ people know that they are welcome and accepted.
LGBT-Friendly Doctors and Medical Providers in the Charleston Area
Medical University of South Carolina
Medical University of South Carolina, or MUSC, is South Carolina’s largest academic healthcare system. It has locations throughout the entire state, including dozens of locations throughout Charleston and North Charleston. MUSC is also one of the best options for LGBTQ people seeking healthcare in Charleston.
MUSC’s website includes an affirming statement, making clear that LGBTQ people are welcome in their healthcare system. They also maintain a helpful page listing services and specific information about health issues affecting gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals.
Their services include treatment and prevention of HIV, addiction, and breast and cervical cancer. MUSC offers resources to treat weight issues, including obesity, eating disorders, and body image issues. According to MUSC, all of these issues affect segments of the LGBTQ population at a greater rate than the general population.
Because of its size, MUSC also offers nearly any other medical service a patient could require. MUSC hospitals in Charleston have been recognized as some of the best in South Carolina.
While there are many MUSC providers located throughout Charleston, North Charleston, Summerville, and beyond, the largest MUSC medical center is located in downtown Charleston. MUSC Health University Medical Center is a cluster of four hospitals and a dedicated cancer center and serves as the hub for MUSC services throughout the state.
Truesdale Medical
Truesdale Medical is a small practice with a single office in North Charleston. Truesdale is very upfront about its commitment to serving the LGBQ community.
Its website prominently features its LGBTQ-targeted services. Truesdale offers PrEP and PEP, and STD testing and care, in addition to holistic primary care. Truesdale is a partner of Palmetto Community Care, a non-profit founded in 1990, dedicated to assisting people diagnosed with HIV and AIDS. Palmetto continues to assist in treating, preventing, and spreading awareness about HIV and AID throughout the Charleston metropolitan area.
While Truesdale is smaller than MUSC, it might be more comfortable for patients used to dealing with a local doctor. It can be comforting to see the same people every time you make an appointment. For LGBTQ people seeking this experience from their doctor’s office, Truesdale is a great choice.
Truesdale Medical is located at 6296 Rivers Ave, Ste 310, in North Charleston. Telehealth appointments are also available for patients who prefer remote care.
Ryan White Wellness Center of Charleston for Low-Cost HIV Assistance
The Ryan White Wellness Center provides low-cost or no-cost services for qualified individuals diagnosed with HIV. The center offers resources that extend beyond healthcare, including social services like housing, legal, food, and transportation assistance. It also provides HIV testing and other limited services to all patients.
The Ryan White Wellness Center is associated with the Roper St. Francis hospital system, which operates multiple medical centers throughout Charleston, Summerville, and Mount Pleasant, SC.
Planned Parenthood’s Charleston Health Center
Many people associate Planned Parenthood with female reproductive health, but Planned Parenthood Charleston also offers health services for men.
The Charleston Health Center provides services ranging from birth control, STD testing and treatment, to smoking cessation. This office also provides limited primary care resources including screening for cholesterol, blood pressure, and thyroid.
Planned Parenthood accepts many insurance and payment types including Medicaid. This location also offers Spanish language services.
Charleston Health Center is located at 1312 Ashley River Road in Charleston, SC.
Transgender Healthcare Resources in Charleston
While finding an LGBT-affirming doctor is a great first step, not every LGBT-friendly doctor can offer the care transgender people require.
The providers below offer services specifically for transgender patients, including hormone therapy and other services.
MUSC Health Transgender Health for Adults
In addition to providing important general medical care to LGBTQ individuals, MUSC provides services specific to assisting transgender people with their transition. Currently, MUSC only provides these services to adults.
MUSC offers hormone therapy, including education and management, and pre- and post-surgical care for trans people. It does not offer surgical treatments for gender transitions, although doctors at MUSC can refer patients out for this service.
MUSC also provides pap smears, pelvic exams, and prostate exams in a manner that is sensitive to the needs of trans people. MUSC states that it wants to make all LGBTQ people, including trans people, feel welcome in their facilities.
Truesdale Medical offers HRT
Truesdale also offers HRT, or hormone replacement therapy, to trans patients. Truesdale lays out what to expect on your first visit if you are seeking HRT, which can make the process much more comfortable if you are new to the process.
Truesdale will work with trans patients seeking HRT to test for STDs, test for baseline hormone levels, discuss goals, and discuss fertility and family planning.
Starting hormone replacement therapy is a big step, and it is important to think through the effects of the therapy with your doctor before beginning.
Planned Parenthood’s Charleston Health Center offers HRT
The Planned Parenthood Charleston Health Center provides transgender hormone therapy. It also provides educational resources about trans issues. This location can refer trans patients who are seeking other services related to gender health.
The Charleston Health Center, located west of downtown Charleston, is a great place to start for trans people beginning their transition that want to learn more about the process.
Mental Health Resources
In addition to physical health, LGBTQ people need access to understanding mental health providers. Many of the providers listed above also offer mental health resources or can refer patients to welcoming mental health providers. MUSC in particular offers individual and group therapy options for LGBTQ individuals.
