Gender Wellness Program, Delaware Valley
Gender Identity Support and Treatment
Some kids and teens may experience gender dysphoria, where there is a discrepancy between a person’s gender identity and their sex designated at birth. 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 accept patients and their families who are considering gender affirming care. 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.
Gender Wellness Services We Offer
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. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Related Specialties
Expertise to Help Your Child Thrive
The Nemours Gender Wellness Program is the first pediatric specialty team-based gender health program in the state of Delaware. We work together to help kids and teens be as healthy as possible, physically and emotionally. We can coordinate appointments with our large team of specialists.
We provide gender-affirming health care. Our care team members treat each child with full acceptance and appreciation. We take pride in delivering respectful care designed for each patient.
We listen. There’s a lot to learn, and we take time to listen to you and your child. Our endocrinology team will discuss options. We’ll answer your questions, such as what to expect during gender transition. And we explain what you need to know to partner with us in caring for your child.
We understand the physical and emotional issues. Many kids we see look to us for extra support when coming out, dealing with bullying, or coping with emotions. Many parents we meet with want to know about reproductive health concerns. We’re familiar with the issues and are ready to explore the best solutions to support your child and family.
We can connect you with helpful resources. We know resources in your community. Depending on your family’s need, our social worker can introduce you to services and groups to support your child and family.
Legal Guidelines for Gender-Affirming Transition
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
Other Patient and Family Resources
Updating Legal Name and Gender
National Center for Transgender Equality
For support groups, please email GenderWellness@nemours.org for the most current list.