What is True Voice Clinic?
True Voice Clinic is a private surgical program dedicated to voice feminization and pitch elevation for trans women, non-binary individuals, and others seeking a higher vocal pitch. The program offers an integrated model of care that combines expert surgical assessment, mandatory voice therapy, surgery when appropriate, and structured postoperative rehabilitation.

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Is voice therapy required before surgery?
Yes. Voice therapy is mandatory before surgery. All patients must complete three required preoperative sessions with the True Voice Registered Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). Surgery will not proceed without documented participation and formal SLP clearance.

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Why is voice therapy mandatory?
Voice therapy is essential to ensure vocal health, realistic expectations, and optimal surgical outcomes. Therapy helps establish healthy vocal habits, assess non-surgical potential, and prepare the voice for surgery. Patients who do not engage in therapy are not considered surgical candidates.

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What happens at the initial consultation?
The initial consultation is a 60-minute joint assessment that includes time with both Sherri Zelazny, Registered Speech-Language Pathologist, and Dr. Sanjay Morzaria, Laryngologist (ENT surgeon). The visit includes a detailed voice history, laryngeal examination, and standardized voice recordings.

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The consultation fee is $600 CAD and is credited toward surgery if you proceed.

 

Does the consultation mean I will automatically have surgery?

No. The consultation is an assessment and planning visit only. Surgery is offered only to patients who meet all clinical, therapeutic, and readiness criteria after completing mandatory therapy.

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What criteria must be met to proceed with surgery?
Patients must complete mandatory therapy, receive formal SLP clearance, demonstrate consistent engagement, have suitable laryngeal anatomy and medical clearance, and maintain realistic expectations regarding outcomes and limitations. Surgery may be declined if these criteria are not met.

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How is the surgical plan decided?
Surgical planning is conducted jointly by the surgeon and Registered SLP after therapy is completed. The approach is individualized based on voice characteristics, goals, anatomy, and risk tolerance.

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What does surgery cost?
The surgical fee for pitch elevation surgery is $9,575 CAD. This includes surgeon, anesthesia, and hospital facility fees.

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The initial consultation fee is $600 CAD and is credited toward surgery if you proceed.

 

Speech-language pathology services are billed separately.

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Where is the surgery performed?
Pitch elevation surgery is performed at Jim Pattison Outpatient Care & Surgery Centre (JPOSC) in Surrey, British Columbia. JPOSC is an accredited hospital-based outpatient surgical facility with full anesthesia services and multidisciplinary support.

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What kind of follow-up is provided after surgery?
Postoperative surgical follow-up includes visits at approximately two weeks and three months. Continued voice therapy is provided as needed until safe, unrestricted voice use is achieved. Long-term monitoring is part of the True Voice Clinic model of care.

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Is this program publicly funded?
No. Voice feminization surgery is not currently available through public programs in British Columbia. True Voice Clinic is a private-pay program designed to provide local access to comprehensive, integrated care. Many private insurers may offer partial coverage depending on individual policies.

 

Why is True Voice structured this way?
True Voice Clinic is designed as a hospital-based, medically integrated program rather than a standalone cosmetic service. Mandatory therapy, joint ENT–SLP planning, and structured follow-up are intended to prioritize safety, durability of results, and long-term vocal health.