The Protocol The American Approach
Jun 5, 2025
Laura Edwards-Leeper, a clinical psychologist who established the first youth gender clinic in the U.S., and Joe Olson-Kennedy, a physician advocating for gender-affirming care, delve into the evolution of treatment for transgender youth. They discuss the adaptation of the Dutch model to U.S. contexts, the increasing demand for care, and the rise of non-binary identities. Their insights touch on the complexities of assessing gender identity, the importance of trust in self-identification, and the need for thoughtful, child-led approaches in a rapidly evolving landscape.
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Learning From The Dutch Clinic
- Laura Edwards‑Leeper traveled to Amsterdam in 2007 to observe the Dutch youth gender clinic and sat in on psychiatric assessments and team case discussions.
- She returned to Boston trying to adapt their strict, multi‑month protocol with far fewer resources and hours available.
Packing A Year Into One Visit
- Laura compressed the Dutch year‑long assessment into a single, structured clinical interview and questionnaires for patients who traveled to Boston.
- She felt overwhelmed being the sole gatekeeper with only one to two assessments per month.
Require Ongoing Mental Health Support
- Require an established therapist relationship before medical intervention so a clinician can weigh in and provide ongoing support.
- Use that therapist to reduce gatekeeper pressure and ensure continuity during medical transition.