I saw my doctor a few weeks ago about getting referred to a gender specialist, but she said that because I'm under the age of 18 I can't get help. She gave me a few sites I could visit for help, but that's not enough I really need someone to speak to. I emailed the Mermaids site because I was really struggling, because I haven't told my parents it's hard doing this alone. So I really need to speak to a specialist to help me.
Also, I plan to tell my parents after Christmas. If I need their consent to see a specialist then I will tell them, and I am going to tell them before I do see someone anyway.
So anyway, Mermaids told me about the Tavistock and Portman Clinics, but they're mainly based in London. That's too far for me to travel as I live in Sheffield. Are there any Gender Identity clinics that are near there? I am seeing my doctor tomorrow again about getting referred, and I don't want to leave there again without a referral.
Mermaids also said about one in Leeds, which is okay, but I an't find anything about it online? There is a Gender Identity clinic in Sheffield, but it's only for people aged 18+, which sucks.
Any advice one what to do would be greatly appreciated!
Answers & Comments
Unfortunately access to treatment for under 18s is pretty restrictive.
You do need to have your parents support. As you say this involves visits to Tavistock in London. It is the only specialist for under 18s. Tavistock are trialing the treatment of under 18s with hormone blockers which means a very small number of under 18s are receiving them.
What your GP should be able to do is to refer you to your local Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) . It may be worth you asking your GP to do this for counseling at this stage to access some support locally rather than traveling to London. Also if your GP has a record of this it will be useful supporting evidence if you later access adult services at a GIC.
There are new guidelines which mean your GP can help quite a lot once you are 18. It is worth checking these out as it does say what your GP should being for you.
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Transhealth/Documents/g...