Who is this service for
We see children and adolescents who are experiencing difficulties in the development of their gender identity. This may include children who are unhappy with their biological sex and who wish to belong to the other one.
Some may be boys who prefer to play the roles of girls and vice versa. Some children may feel comfortable only when playing with peers of the opposite sex, or may frequently cross-dress.
Children with intersex and other endocrine conditions may be referred if there are concerns with gender identity development. The service also offers counselling to children of parents with transsexualism or other gender identity problems.
Kinds of treatment offered
This specialist service is staffed by a multidisciplinary group with contributions from child and adolescent psychiatry, psychology, social work, psychotherapy and paediatrics. The staff work closely together in order to make the most of different team members' expertise and skills.
We consider difficulties of gender identity in the context of development process. The aims of the service are to understand the nature of the obstacles or adverse factors in the development of gender identity, and to try to minimise their negative influence.
We think that relationships are as important as other factors in contributing to the child's difficulties. Therefore we pay attention in our work to what is happening within the child or adolescent's relationship with the family, school and other social agencies.
How to access this service:
We only accept referrals from GPs or other professionals but we welcome calls from young people and their families to discuss a possible referral. If you are worried that your child may be experiencing some confusion over his or her sexual identity please contact the team administrator on 020 8938 2030.
You can also speak to your GP and ask for a referral to the service.
