Pediatric Gender Program
When a young person has questions or concerns related to gender, the entire family is affected. We are a safe, supportive resource and interdisciplinary program for children, adolescents, and young adults who are exploring their gender identity, as well as for their families.
We provide care for young people who are questioning their assigned gender and/or seeking gender-affirming consultation and care. Through a multidisciplinary team approach, we are committed to providing care in compassionate and respectful ways.
Our Services
When it comes to gender identity and related concerns, our first step is to listen. Some youth are exploring their identity. Others know that how they feel inside does not match up with the gender they were assigned at birth. We help sort through these questions.
We start with an initial consultation which includes obtaining information from patients and their families. This assessment takes six to eight hours to complete and can be done in one day or divided over several sessions. If we determine that any mental health or other support is needed, we can connect patients with resources at Yale or in the community.
First and foremost, we make sure we understand our patients’ needs and desires. We will discuss the risks and side effects of any proposed care options, work together to learn what support systems are already in place, and determine what additional treatments and resources our patients may need.
If you are in crisis, call the confidential toll-free National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If texting is easier, you can also text the National Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.