Objective: In response to increasing anti-trans legislation targeting access to evidence-based gender-affirming healthcare in many states, the Gender Health Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Society of Pediatric Psychology started offering peer support groups for pediatric psychologists and trainees in the field of pediatric gender health. This commentary describes the impact of anti-trans legislation on the provision of pediatric gender-affirming healthcare and outlines the peer support group model, key lessons learned, and future directions for the groups. Methods: Peer support groups occurred 1–2 times monthly for pediatric psychologists, were facilitated by SIG leadership, and focused on information sharing, case consultation, and processing of the anti-trans sociopolitical climate. Trainee support groups occurred monthly, primarily for psychology trainees currently working in or interested in pediatric gender health. These were facilitated by the SIG student representatives, followed a loose structure bounded by group guidelines, and discussed a range of topics. Results: The groups drew variable, but modest, attendance. They offered a safe space for members to process the challenges of providing care in a tenuous sociopolitical climate. Logistical challenges (e.g., accommodating a variety of time availabilities) continue to be an area of growth for the groups. Conclusions: Peer support groups are a promising model for offering support, resources, and solidarity to pediatric psychologists providing care in controversial and politicized areas of healthcare. Healthcare institutions would benefit from considering ways to reduce barriers for pediatric psychologists and trainees attending support groups (e.g., counting attendance towards clinical productivity or continuing education).
Implications for Impact Statement
Pediatric psychologists and trainees serving transgender and gender diverse youth have been burdened by the impact of the anti-trans sociopolitical climate and gender-affirming healthcare bans. Peer and trainee support groups offer a model for providers to share resources, consult on cases, build solidarity, and restore their well-being to continue to provide healthcare for a patient population victimized by political exploitation. Healthcare administrators are encouraged to consider ways to reduce barriers for their pediatric gender health psychologists and trainees to attend support groups and consider other politicized disciplines of pediatric gender healthcare that may benefit from a similar model.
