We provide support to children and young people born with naturally occurring sex characteristics that do not fit the typical definitions for male or female bodies.

This is known as Variation in Sex Characteristics (VSC) or intersex variations.

About this service

We are a part-time service comprising a care coordinator, a clinical psychologist and a social worker.

We work with children, young people and their families to understand their variation and support them throughout their journey.

We can help children, young people and parents/carers:

• adjust to, and talk about, the VSC diagnosis
• coordinate healthcare needs
• be supported through decision making processes
• be supported to talk with other services such as healthcare providers and schools
• connect with peer and community supports.

Who we care for

Our service is available to children and young people who meet the following criteria:

• aged up to 17 years of age
• have a diagnosis of Variation in Sex Characteristics (VSC) or potential VSC
• live in the ACT or are receiving current medical treatment in Canberra Health Services for VSC

How to access this service

Children, young people, parents, carers, GP’s, Paediatricians, Healthcare providers, school educators, peer and community services and Specialists can refer to the Variations in Sex Characteristics Psychosocial Service.

We offer free and confidential appointments at the Canberra Hospital on Monday and Wednesday mornings between 8.30am - 12.30pm.

We may also visit you as an inpatient in hospital.

What to expect

Our team will review your referral once we receive it and if you are eligible for our service, we will call you to arrange an appointment time.

If you are not eligible for our service, we will let you and/or the referrer know and they will follow up with you about more suitable services.

Where we’re located

Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Building 11, Level 1, Canberra Hospital.

We have directions to Centenary Hospital for Women and Children and Canberra Hospital.