Iowa Therapists

[MiaSakura]

Well, I'm trying to explore some of my options and am starting to finally try and do something about my gender issues.  However, I can't really find much for psychologists in Iowa that can help me or are close enough for me to make the journey to get to.  IF anyone could help me out in finding something that would be AMAZING! <3

[jsorter]

I'm in Des Moines! What part are you in?

[MiaSakura]

Dubuque Area.  Right on the river.

[Jamie D]

I'm in Des Moines! What part are you in?

JS, could you point Mia to the Psychology Today listings I posted for you?

[jsorter]

That's my plan but I don't have a way to it at the moment since I'm on my phone.

[Jamie D]

I think I posted that info for you in one of ThatTallGirl's threads.  I'll see if I can find it for Mia.

Edit: Found it!

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.

[Robert Scott]

My son goes to school at Cornell College -- farely close to you --- and there is psychologist in Mt Vernon who works with trans folks...Cornell actually has a couple of transkids going to school there.  I know the University of Iowa in Iowa City has a big transgender clinic & program --- they helped my son when he first started connect with other trans folks even though he doesn't go to school there.  You could call them and ask for some help.  They were very helpful to me as a parent and gave me resources in my community in Minnesota.

[MiaSakura]

Awesome!  Thank you guys for the help.  I'll try the Iowa City approach, and look into Cornell.  Thank you so much everyone!  I used to be pretty good at finding these kinds of things online, but lately, I just haven't had much luck.  You have no idea how much I appreciate it!  <3

Time to get my journey going, I hope...XD

[jsorter]

Have you thought about looking into chicago since its so close and would have MUCH more options for you?

[MiaSakura]

I like the Iowa City option over Chicago since Chicago is an almost three hour drive away...

[MiaSakura]

Here's another point of concern.  Should I see a regular therapist, and not one that is specialized in gender issues?  Can they help me, and/or perscribe/okay me for hormones and what not?  I'm trying to work up my courage to even go. I'm so frightened of doing this, but I know I have too.

[Jumpingcats]

I would think there would be someone in the Des Moines metro area that could help you (if thats closer then Iowa City for you) but I don't know of any names to recommend you. I've heard good things about Iowa City though reading through the internet.

About therapists, I choose a random therapist for myself and that ended up being a bad idea as I had a bad experience and I didn't ask if they had an experience with gender (they didn't and made wild guesses and assumptions about LGBT issues). I would definitely ask if they had any training or experience with gender issues before I spend my precious money again.

[Jamie D]

Here's another point of concern.  Should I see a regular therapist, and not one that is specialized in gender issues?  Can they help me, and/or prescribe/okay me for hormones and what not?  I'm trying to work up my courage to even go. I'm so frightened of doing this, but I know I have too.

Psychiatrists, who hold medical degrees, can prescribe medication. Generally, therapists and psychologists can not.