Gender Incongruence | Conditions We Treat | Pediatric Endocrinology Specialty | UC Davis Children's Hospital

At UC Davis Health, we seek to be a resource to all patients needing health care services, including gender-diverse patients and their family members. Just like for all health care services, no patients are pushed into any treatments. Instead, our providers discuss the care options available with patients and their legal caregivers, even if it is simply answering questions about what is available. Our providers educate patients and families fully on the pros and cons of pursuing any therapy, including gender-related health care.

Gender-related health services for patients under the age of 19 are provided by a team that includes the Divisions of Adolescent Medicine and Pediatric Endocrinology. These services include resources for evaluation, assessment, and development of a personalized plan that aims to address both the patient’s needs as well as supporting parental and family needs. Our clinics provide patient- and family-focused care that meets families where they are in their understanding of gender-related care. As a collaborative system of care for pediatric and adolescent patients, our top priority is to provide a high level of care.

Both patients and parents take part in the discussion of potential treatment options at UC Davis Health. Published medical research shows LGBTQ+ experiences of stigma and discrimination are significantly associated with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Family support mitigates these associations and may help to protect against negative mental health outcomes for patients, including transgender and gender-diverse adolescents.

At UC Davis Health, care provided to patients under the age of 18 is provided in consultation with, and with consent from, the patient and the parents. For patients under the age of 18, the parent or guardian is always the ultimate consenting party, and no medication or hormonal treatments are initiated without the consent of all legal parents or guardians. This clinic is for patients under the age of 19 years. Patients aged 19 years and over are seen in the Adult Gender Affirming Care Clinic.