Transitions have 'gone too far': trans psychologist

"A transgender psychologist who has helped hundreds of teens transition has warned that it has “gone too far” — and fears many are making life-changing decisions because it’s “trendy” and pushed on social media.

Erica Anderson, 71 — who is transgender herself — told the Los Angeles Times that she is horrified that even 13-year-old kids are now getting hormone treatment without even meeting with psychologists.

“I think it’s gone too far,” said Anderson, who until recently led the US professional society at the forefront of transgender care....

She insisted that those allowing medical treatment for kids without rigorous psychological evaluation risk committing malpractice.

Those who are confused about their gender identity also need to wait until they are absolutely sure before acting, she said.

“I have a dictum: When in doubt, doubt,” [Anderson] told the LA paper. “Questioning is a good thing. How are you going to find out if you are lockstep with whatever conclusion you come to first?” ...

[On the other side] Dr. AJ Eckert, medical director of the Gender and Life-Affirming Medicine Program at the Anchor Health Initiative in Stamford, Conn., eschewed the need for therapy.

“Being trans or gender diverse is not a mental illness, and compulsory psychotherapy is not the standard of care in the gender-affirming medical model. Forcing transgender and gender diverse youth through extensive assessments while their cis peers are affirmed in their identity without question conveys to [them] that they are not ‘normal,’” [Eckert] said."

PS: Eckert says these children don't need therapy. But doesn't address the question of competence to give informed consent.