Gender Wellness Program, Delaware Valley

Exploring gender and sexuality is part of every child’s development. For some kids and teens, the gender assigned to them at birth doesn’t match the gender that feels most comfortable to them. This can make young people feel alone, unsupported and rejected. They may also experience depression, anxiety, bullying, and other physical and emotional issues.

At the Nemours Gender Wellness Program, we take a gender-affirmative approach. This means we fully accept our patients. We also recognize the challenges your family may face as you learn about and adjust to these changes. We’re here to answer your questions and support your family throughout your journey.

Following the most up-to-date guidelines, we offer a wide range of services for kids and teens who are looking for help with their gender identity development and/or transition. We work closely together as a large, experienced team to give your child both medical and psychological care that meets their specific needs:

• Endocrinology. Our hormone and growth doctor can help your child make a medical transition to the desired gender. This may include helping them understand how to take medications to pause puberty or hormones to cause physical changes. We help you understand what to expect at every step.
• General Pediatric Care. Our pediatrician supports young children (before puberty) and their families. We also work with older teens and young adults as they prepare to move on to adult health care.
• Gynecology. Our reproductive health specialist educates patients and their families about current and future reproductive health. This includes information about recommended cancer screenings and vaccination, anatomy, and relationships. We can also discuss options for improving or stopping periods if desired. Future family-building and fertility preservation options will also be addressed. An exam is rarely necessary. 
• Psychology. Our psychologist works with your family and your child’s current therapist to provide support. We address any emotional issues with coming out, bullying, family and peer relationships, and social stigma. We also can identify and treat mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
• Social Work. Our social worker works closely with our team, especially psychology, to support your family. We also connect you to resources close to home and help you work with the health care system throughout the process.

Anytime you visit, you can inform staff when (and if) you would like your preferred name and pronouns updated. However, in order to change your legal name and gender in your medical record, we need the required legal papers. Transgender Law Center