Gender Care at Yakima Pediatrics Teen Health Clinic

We care for children, adolescents, and young adults who report their gender identity is different from their sex at birth. Our team strives to provide compassionate care for transgender youth, and peoples who do not identify with traditional definitions of male or female.

Our care team includes medical providers, behavioral health consultants, nurses, medical assistants, and social workers – all in one clinic location!

Thinking about gender identity, gender concerns, and sexuality:

You will need a letter of support from a therapist for both stages of transition (e.g. hormonal replacement therapy [HRT] and surgery). This can take up to a year depending on your supports, resources, other diagnoses, and medical conditions. Start this process early, even if you are unsure what your long-term goals will be; that way you are prepared.

The SPACE is a great resource here in Yakima to meet other kids going through similar experiences, and get support for free.

Gender Clinic Roadmap:

What You Need:

This section talks about what you need as you prepare to complete the parts of gender care and transition at Yakima Pediatrics Teen Health Clinic.

In general, it is always a good idea to keep all your information in one location (e.g., notes from conversations w/doctors, insurance companies, mental/behavioral health professionals, etc.).

You will need to have started the process of social transition and have parental support. Talk to your doctor or medical provider about what this means. They can help you with having this conversation with your parents and other people in your community.

You will also work on any behavioral health or mental health conditions that may be impacting your overall health (e.g. anxiety, depression, PTSD, weight management, sleep, eating disorders, etc.).

During your first visits with your therapist or behavioral health consultant, please let them know you are looking for a Letter of Support for Gender Transitions, so they can start structuring the time appropriately.

• Answering the questions to write the Letter of Support can take 6-12 months, depending on your personal circumstances and if you have ever worked with a therapist or behavioral health provider before.

Know that you will be asked to start social transitioning (living as your true gender)

• For any gender affirming surgeries, you will need to live as your preferred gender for a year before they will do the surgeries.

Services We Provide

Frequently Asked Questions

The Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Support Group 

WHAT:  This group is a place for patients to get support with issues related to their gender journeys regardless of where they are in their journey. Topics may include overview of the transition process, proper use of binders and packers, navigating the coming out process, steps in the legal process (e.g., changing your name and gender markers), how to advocate for yourself in public spaces (e.g., PE, bathrooms, sports, schools, etc.), resilience and values work, health topics (e.g., acne with hormone changes, weight gain, healthy eating, sleep, etc.) and any other areas that might be of interest for the group.

WHO: Patients of CHCW (e.g. Teen Health Clinic, Yakima Pediatrics, Central Washington Family Medicine, Naches, Highland, Davis Health Clinic) who are 13-21 years old, and identify as trans or non-binary

WHERE: Yakima Pediatrics, 2nd Tuesday of the month from 3:30p – 4:30p

HOW: Ask your medical or behavioral health provider about group at your next visit, or call  (509-424-4288) to be added to the list