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At the Transgender Youth Health Program, our experts provide gender-affirming medical and psychosocial services for gender-diverse and transgender youth. We recognize that there is no single path that each child follows, and we work to customize our services to your family’s needs.

Medical Care for Transgender Youth

The physical changes that come with puberty, such as breast development, testicular enlargement, and menstruation, can be distressing for children who are transgender or gender diverse. Some children can benefit from medications that safely pause puberty, giving your child extra time to explore their gender identity. Some children use this time to contemplate future care, begin or continue transitioning to their affirmed gender, or adopt new pronouns. Pubertal suppression can be halted at any time, and once medications are stopped, puberty resumes.

Later, with the support of the child’s family and healthcare team, a young person may decide to use gender-affirming hormones such as testosterone and estrogen or menstrual suppression. These decisions are made in consultation with our doctors and mental health experts.

All gender-affirming medical interventions are provided by our board-certified pediatric endocrinologists and adolescent medicine doctors. Approval from each parent or guardian and the child is required before beginning treatment. We follow the standards of care guidelines set forth by the and the Endocrine Society. As your child reaches their later teen years and early adulthood, they can continue care through ºÙºÙÊÓƵ’s transgender health services, whose doctors provide care for gender-diverse and transgender adults.

Psychological and Social Support

Our team aims to validate your child’s emotions and their identity, providing a place they feel safe and accepted. Mental health consultations can begin at any age, from long before puberty through early adulthood. Common reasons for seeking care include exploring gender identity and expression, navigating gender transition, or assessing whether your child is ready for medical intervention, such as hormone therapy.

We also provide guidance for families as you communicate your child’s transition to family and friends, and support for children who have experienced bullying or rejection from family or peers. Treatment for anxiety and depression are also available. We provide individual and group therapy.