Hormone Therapy for Trans and Nonbinary (TNB) Youth
Howard Brown Health is committed to improving the health of TNB people of all ages.
The steps to getting hormone therapy are different for people under 18 than for adults. Our process for supporting minor-aged youth looking for hormones involves a team effort between youth, their parents/guardian(s), and their medical and mental health providers to discuss medical history, decide goals for hormone therapy and create a plan unique to each person’s needs.
Here are some of the supports and resources that our program can offer::
- HRT after working through the program
- Individual therapy for you and/or your parents
- Family therapy and consultation
- Educational group on hormone therapy with a provider and a therapist
- Resources for youth and parents, like support groups, educational resources, and referrals
Our TNB Youth Hormone Navigator can discuss in the youth hormone program in detail with you and answer your questions. The navigator can be reached by phone: 773.388.1600 ext. 1984 or by email YouthHormoneProgram@howardbrown.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m under 18, do I need a parent/guardian’s permission to call? What if my parents don’t support my decision to start hormones?
Clients under 18 can call to learn more about the Youth Hormone Program.
Howard Brown does require the informed consent of all legal guardians, in order for a young person to start hormone treatment. If you are unsure about your guardians’ level of support, we can talk about whether or not it would be helpful for someone from our program to reach out to your parents to help introduce the idea of hormone treatment and explain the possible benefits and risks. Howard Brown’s services include short term individual and/or family psychotherapy, as well as referrals for psychosocial support or long term therapy.
I’m the parent/guardian of a transgender child, what are my next steps?
Our TNB Youth Hormone Navigator can discuss in the youth hormone program in detail with you and answer your questions. The navigator can be reached by phone: 773.388.1600 ext. 1984 or by email YouthHormoneProgram@howardbrown.org.
I’m the parent/guardian of a transgender child, where can I learn more about gender and transitioning?
We recommend two excellent resources for families to grow in their understand of gender and what it’s like to be transgender: