Psychiatry's Role in Supporting Healthy Development in Gender Diverse Children

Increasing numbers of transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) children are presenting for care in medical and behavioral health settings. Most providers have little to no training on how to assist patients, families, or medical colleagues with gender concerns. Despite a growing pool of multidisciplinary gender clinics nationwide, many communities lack competent psychiatrists to assist these children. Accessing care at gender clinics can be burdensome to families due to cost and distance. This article seeks to contribute to the competency of psychiatric providers who encounter TGNC children. Areas of focus include differences in sex and gender development, common clinical presentations, assessment for gender-related distress, and the role of psychiatry in provision of care for healthy gender development in TGNC young children and adolescents.