-- A new government report from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services titled "Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria: Review of Evidence and Best Practices," is being labeled "dangerous and misleading" by mental health professionals across the country who work directly with transgender youth.
"This government report completely and unequivocally ignores what the current medical science tells us about treating young people with gender dysphoria," says Casey Weitzman, MA, LMFT, founder and director of Gender Wellness of Los Angeles, a leading treatment center focused on gender and sexual orientation-affirming mental health care.
"Instead of relying on evidence-based practices, the government report pushes a kind of therapy that feels more like conversion therapy," Weitzman continued. "We know from years of clinical experience that this approach can actually increase depression, anxiety, and the risk of suicide among trans youth."
Weitzman and other professionals are concerned the government report supports "exploratory therapy"—a practice that many see as an attempt to cast doubt on a person’s gender identity. "It suggests that being transgender is somehow temporary or wrong -- a kind of messaging that is extremely harmful," she said. "This therapy isn’t neutral, and it absolutely doesn’t respect a young person's autonomy."
Some key facts Weitzman shared:
• Most trans youth spend months and even years in therapy before making any medical decisions.
• The claim that kids are being rushed into treatment is just not true.
• Studies show very low regret rates for gender-affirming care—well under 1%.
• Delaying access to care increases mental health risks like depression and suicide.
"What if someone told you that you could no longer make decisions about your child’s health?" Weitzman asked. "For parents of trans kids, that’s what this government report is doing. It takes away the power and love of a parent and replaces it with government control. That’s not just wrong, it’s dangerous."
For more information on gender related issues visit www.genwell.org or call (818) 855-1105.
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Contact Info:
Name: Casey Weitzman
Email: Send Email
Organization: Gender Wellness of Los Angeles
Address: 3497 Vista Haven Rd. #100, Los Angeles, CA 91403, United States
Website: https://genwell.org/
Release ID: 89159484