Was anyone able to use a therapist at their school? other resources?

[BMXJake]

I'm in college and they offer something called Counseling and Psychological services. I went a year ago for something unrelated (I wasn't ready to deal with transitioning yet) and I was able to get one on one therapy with an intern (who was just as effective as a certified therapist and is overseen by certified Psychologists and therapists) and if you want you can opt to get therapy with someone who is certified. I'm unsure if they handle gender issues though at mine and I know I won't know until I ask but I wanted to see if anyone else had any luck with something like this or if they had any other resources they used? I'm praying I can use the school to begin therapy and also as my therapist (to eventually get my letter to start HRT) because it is almost free to me as a fulltime student.

Thanks

[Luc]

I have used counseling services at 2 of the colleges I've attended. The first did not offer glbt-specific services, but the second, University of Colorado Denver, did. I was already well into transition by the time I saw my therapist there, but she was one of three or four student therapists they had there who specialized in transgender issues. Depending upon your school and where you live, you may get lucky and find someone who can help you out.

Otherwise, I'd recommend Planned Parenthood--- their locations in the western U.S., at least, typically have trans-specific services. That's where I was prescribed my first testosterone.

[gandaberunda]

I went to the university counseling center and was seen for a year by an internist who specialized in gender issues.  Then I went to a community center that provided low-cost counseling for low-income people.  Programs exist and most major cities in the US have a resource list via 211.... google it, or dial 211.  I was able to get counseling at a county clinic because I was mentally paralyzed and on the brink of becoming homeless due to my gender issues. Sure it was provided by an internist, but I was so grateful to finally have someone to open up to.  She encouraged me to use her office as a safe place to dress, and she became the first person I ever dressed in front of other than my partner.