Where are all of the therapists?

[ThatTallGirl]

Found several therapists near my area that have experience with trans people, so I sent them all an e-mail letting them know that I would really enjoy getting in touch with them to see if they are a good fit.

2 weeks later, no response from any of them. Today I thought I would give some of them a call, but no answers. I called around 2p.m. to ensure that they would be in their office, and I still did not get a return call from any of them.

It would be most appreciated if any of you can toss a number my way of a good therapist that possible does sessions via skype. I live in the middle of nowhere, in the outskirts of a large town-small city, in a very small farming community where everyone knows everyone. I do not mind having to drive an hour or so to get to a therapist, but it would be nice if I could find a therapist ASAP. There is a promising therapist around 45 minutes from where I live, and hope that I can get a hold of her soon.

It would also be awesome if you all could point me in the direction of a therapist that charges on a sliding scale.

I know I am asking for a lot, but I am getting ants in my pants to talk to someone face to face about who I am!

[Constance]

The GBLT National Help Center has a database of resources. It's possible they might have the information you're looking for. Their hours are typically from 1pm to 9pm Pacific time, and they have online chat as well.

GLBT National Help Center
http://www.glnh.org/index2.html

[jsorter]

I too would love to know one that skype's or heck, is in Iowa.

[Jamie D]

I too would love to know one that skype's or heck, is in Iowa.

Here is a starting point, JS.

http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/state/Iowa.html

When you auger down into the site, you can sort by those with "transsexual" expertise.

This is just one of many resources out there.  Good luck.

[ThatTallGirl]

Finally got a call back from a therapist today, and she is even the therapist I was hoping for! She sounds amazing and sweet over the phone, and she was very easy to talk to.

She asked a little bit about why I thought I was seeking help, so I gave her a very very short version and then she told me that she can't wait to talk to me.

I am scheduled for my first appointment with her on the 30th at 1:30. I am excited that I will finally be able to start my journey, and I can't wait to have a nice talk with her. She seemed so sweet, she said, "It sounds like you have been through a lot, so for our first appointment, I'll clear an extra half an hour just in case." Now I am jumping around, where did all of this energy come from? Oh god, I feel so weird right now hahaha.

Poor co-workers have to see me like this in a couple hours. May I have mercy on their souls! HAHA

[Arch]

Wow, my therapist makes a point of getting back to people the same day because he knows how agonizing it is to wait. Unless he's on vacation--which he does for about a week every year--he calls back within hours.

I'm glad you got someone to respond finally. I hope she works out.

[ThatTallGirl]

I am not making any excuses for her, but she is literally the best, if not the only, gender therapist in a 150 mile radius. She is one of the most successful therapists in this region and she is very very busy all of the time.

[jsorter]

Thank you Jamie!  what kind of credentials should I look for? Who/what kind of person can write letters of recomendations?

[Jamie D]

Thank you Jamie!  what kind of credentials should I look for? Who/what kind of person can write letters of recommendations?

My first criteria was to try and find one who was on my insurance plan, because I would have been hard-pressed to pay full rate over several months.  If your goal is a complete transition, then you need to consider the Standard of Care guidelines, regarding credentials for the purposes of referrals.  I think there is a wiki here about that.  I'll check.

[Jamie D]

I am not making any excuses for her, but she is literally the best, if not the only, gender therapist in a 150 mile radius. She is one of the most successful therapists in this region and she is very very busy all of the time.

That's great news!  I am glad you found a good (albeit busy) fit.