A new clinic for youth who are questioning their gender or experiencing gender dysphoria—the distress caused by incongruity between their biological sex and true gender identity—has opened at Cedars-Sinai. The Pediatric and Adolescent Gender Wellness Clinic is overseen by pediatrician Dr. Paria Hassouri, a specialist in the field.
The clinic helps youth and their parents by providing resources and support to navigate options such as medical transition or blocking puberty. This includes social support—especially for younger patients who have not reached puberty but feel gender fluid.
“My advice to parents is to not hesitate or be scared about making that first appointment with someone who specializes in gender-diverse youth,” Dr. Hassouri says. “That first conversation is just about gathering information and knowledge, which makes all the difference for families.”
Once a patient turns 18, their care is transferred to physicians at Cedars-Sinai who specialize in adult gender wellness, including, if appropriate, therapeutic transitions.
