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The Paediatric Gender Service provides specialist, evidenced-based and multidisciplinary care for trans and gender diverse children and young people, up to 18 years of age in the ACT.

About this service

PGS works within a gender affirming care model, where we see gender diversity as a normal part of human diversity. Being trans and gender diverse is experienced and expressed in diverse ways, meaning that it is important that care and support reflect these diverse needs.

The PGS supports children and young people at any stage of their gender journey. This includes those who are still figuring things out and need support to explore their gender identity, as well as those who are confident in who they are and are looking into medical options.

PGS uses a team-based approach to gender-affirming care and works closely with other services and healthcare providers to make sure children, young people, and their families get safe, person-centred support.

The PGS team is made up of the following professionals:

  • Medical: Paediatrician and Specialist General Practitioner (GP)
  • Nursing: Registered Nurse
  • Allied Health: Social Worker, Clinical Psychologist
  • Administration: Administration Officer

We provide: 

  • supportive gender identity counselling,
  • comprehensive assessment and diagnosis of gender dysphoria,
  • medical pathways to gender affirming care. These include puberty suppression, gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and menstrual management where clinically appropriate and in line with the young person’s goals,
  • family support and school advocacy,
  • referral to other service providers such as peer support, fertility specialists, speech pathologists, dieticians, legal supports

We do not provide: 

  • gender affirming surgery,
  • long-term psychological support for mental health conditions,
  • mental health crisis support. If the child or young person is in mental health crisis, please refer to the appropriate mental health service and the PGS.

Who we care for

The PGS provides care for children and young people who meet all the following criteria:

  • are trans or gender diverse, gender exploring or experiencing gender incongruence,
  • the child or young person consents to being referred to the PGS,
  • the child or young person has the support of at least one parent or guardian for the referral,
  • the child or young person is aged below 16 years and
  • the child or young person resides in the ACT.

We do not provide support for children and young people who:

  • reside outside the ACT and/or
  • are 16 years and above at the time of referral.

Young people living in surrounding regions should seek a referral to Maple Leaf House for support.

For information about this service and how to be referred see this link: Transgender and gender diversity in Hunter New England.

Young people who are aged 15 and 9 months or above should seek a referral to the Adult Gender Service at Canberra Sexual Health Centre.

For information about this service and how to be referred see this link: Canberra Sexual Health Centre (CSHC).

Private Providers

How to access this service

To book an appointment with PGS, a referral from a GP or specialist is usually needed.

If getting a referral is tricky, or if you just want to learn more about the service, feel free to call (02) 5124 6640. If no one answers, leave a voicemail and the team will get back to you as soon as they can.

If you need an interpreter, call 131 450 first. Let the operator know your language, your name, and that you want to call the Paediatric Gender Service at Canberra Hospital on (02) 5124 6640.

Interpreter services are free.

What to expect

At your first appointment you will meet with two of our team members; usually our Social Worker and Nurse. This appointment is an opportunity to talk about your experiences, goals and to learn more about the PGS and gender affirming care in the ACT.

Your first appointment will generally be 90 minutes, however this can be shortened based on your needs on the day.

At your first appointment, we will work together to identify how the PGS and other service providers, may be able to support you to achieve your goals.

What to bring

  • Medicare Card or ACT Services Card
  • Any letters or correspondence from your GP
  • Health Care Card and/or Concession Card
  • Any reports from psychiatrists, psychologists, or other mental health clinicians
  • A drink bottle and snacks because our appointments tend to be longer than 30 minutes

This service is provided free of charge to consumers with a Medicare Card or ACT Services Card.

Where we're located

We are located at the Canberra Hospital in Garran.

Directions to our clinic are provided by our staff when we book your first appointment. We do not publicly advertise our address, so please keep this confidential.

Our building entry and facilities are all wheelchair accessible. Our waiting area has multiple different seating options, an outdoor break out space and two accessible all gender bathrooms.

If there are sensory considerations or other accessibility considerations that the team should be aware of when preparing for your appointment, please let us know beforehand.

We have directions to Canberra Hospital.

Resources

Resources for clinicians

Resources for families, children, young people and community members

Support Services

Support Groups for Children and Young People

Support Groups for Parents and Caregivers

Mental Health Support

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about appointments, wait times, what to expect and more.

Information for Referrers

Please see Community HealthPathways for detailed referral criteria and information.

Referral options:

Referrals should be addressed to Dr Ryan Nichols