Transgender Clinic Serves Gender Expansive Youths and Young Adults
Transgender youth often spend their childhood feeling one way about their gender while the rest of the world sees them differently. Without an easy way to explain the dissonance between their bodies and souls, the experience can lead to confusion, loneliness, or despair.
In the hopes of supporting transgender youth and young adults, at UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital offers a full spectrum of support.
“We just want people to know that we’re here,” said Katherine Greenberg, M.D., director of Gender Health Services. “If you’re struggling with anything gender-related, or if you have a child who is expressing concerns about their gender, please give us a call.”
The clinic sees patients up to the age of 25, and treatment pairs a hormone-prescribing physician with a mental health therapist. This combination of coverage represents the international standard of care recommended by the .
Initial consultations involve a discussion of gender with the patient and their family.
“We just have a long conversation about what they’re feeling, what their goals are in terms of gender, and I often answer a lot of parent questions,” said Greenberg.
Clinical psychologist , a graduate of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, provides mental health support for many patients and families. For those who choose medical treatment as part of their transition, Gender Health Services also offers pubertal blockade treatments, as well as surgical, fertility, and social work services.
“Once people start to transition, they really blossom into their true selves, and almost universally, they start to feel better,” said Greenberg.
For more information, call (585) 275-2964 or visit .