Cass informed psychotherapy for gender distressed youth

Abstract

In April 2024, The Cass Review, an independent review of gender identity services for children and young people, was published in the UK. The Review concluded that there was not enough evidence to justify the UK National Health Service’s (NHS) continued routine use of Gender Affirmative Medical Treatments (GAMT) for children and adolescents experiencing gender-related distress. Instead, The Review recommended psychosocial and therapeutic interventions. In recent decades, the role of psychology and psychotherapy in gender care has been predominantly focused on supporting GAMT. The approach recommended by Cass will therefore require NHS therapists to change direction. This paper will outline a therapeutic stance that incorporates the findings and recommendations of The Cass Review, allowing all psychotherapists to start a process of becoming both evidence-informed and culturally competent for working with gender-distressed children.