Supporting the Mental Health of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth

Abstract

Increasing numbers of youth are identifying as transgender or gender diverse (TGD), meaning their gender identity or expression do not conform to culturally defined expectations for their designated sex at birth. The mental health needs of TGD youth are diverse, and to effectively address these needs requires knowledgeable general pediatric providers, who often are families' first resource for education and support around gender diversity. To help general pediatric providers work more effectively with TGD youth, we describe the role of mental health providers working with TGD youth and how best to support TGD youth's access to gender-affirming mental health and medical interventions. [ Pediatr Ann . 2023;52(12):e456–e461.]