Treatments Provided in the Transgender Clinic
Patients in the Transgender Clinic at Cincinnati Children’s receive the following, as appropriate and part of the individual care plan:
Evaluation by a physician or nurse practitioner who is trained and has experience in the care of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, including:
- Medical interview
- Physical examination
- Development of a treatment plan
Assessment by a social worker who is trained and has experience in the care of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, including:
- Psychosocial interview with patient and family or guardians
- General patient and family support (support group information, Facebook group information)
- Individualized patient and family resources as needed (therapy referrals, Pastoral Care referrals, letter of support for school)
- Development of a treatment plan
The Transgender Clinic provides other services depending on the needs and treatment goals of the patient and his / her / their family or guardian, including:
- Control of menstrual periods
- Birth control
The clinic does not include a psychologist; patients would be referred for psychological evaluation and therapy. The clinic also refers patients to other specialists at Cincinnati Children’s as needed.
What Does the First Visit Look Like?
At the first visit, the physician or nurse practitioner obtains a medical history and performs a physical examination. The physician or nurse practitioner will ask about the patient’s and family’s medical history. They will identify medical issues that the patient has and any issues that may need to be addressed. During the physical exam, the provider determines the stage of pubertal development (has the patient started puberty, in the middle of puberty or finished puberty and done growing).
Depending on the age of the patient, the healthcare provider may speak to the patient alone. Talking alone helps young people become more comfortable with seeing their healthcare providers on their own, which is important for when they become an adult. Sometimes young people also have questions that they are afraid to ask in front of their family or guardians.
The patient is also seen by a social worker who performs a psychosocial interview. The social worker wants to help understand how the patient and family or guardians are functioning and if there are any needs.
Once the medical history, physical examination and psychosocial interview are completed, the care team answers questions, provides resources and develops a treatment plan.
What Does a Treatment Plan Look Like?
The treatment plan for each patient is individualized based on the needs and preferences of the patient and family or guardians. The clinic’s treatments are consistent with guidelines developed by professional societies, including the Endocrine Society.
In developing a treatment plan, the team considers:
- The patient’s gender identity
- The patient’s age and stage of pubertal development
- The patient’s and family’s readiness for next steps
- Risks and benefits of treatment
- Cost of treatment
The team seeks agreement with the patient, family or guardians, and the patient’s therapist.
