Supporting the Young Person 

Adolescence is a challenging time in life, with the acceleration of emotional, psychological and physical growth. For someone questioning their gender identity, this is often also the trigger that motivates them to seek clinical support and guidance.

Puberty itself marks a period of rapid physiological change and development of secondary sex characteristics. When the inner sense of self is incongruent with biological sex, further development of unwanted sex characteristics can be exceptionally difficult.

Although the NHS provides comprehensive care for young people with gender dysphoria, accessing the service can take time and some people find they have fallen in the gap between Child/Adolescent Services and Adult Services while waiting for treatment. Specialist support in this period could make a critical difference in the young person's emotional and psychological well-being.

​

We offer support and guidance for children/adolescents and their families in this challenging time. We recommend an initial assessment to establish goals and consider options. For many, once they have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, if appropriate, and perhaps they have even started toward social transition, we can prepare for referral to Specialist Providers. Referrals are made for hormone therapy and/or surgery (for transmasculine individuals), at 18 years old, as appropriate according to best clinical guidance.