Is therapy absolutely needed and cost?

[NaviMacha7]

@NaviMacha7, it's not clear whether you are near NYC, and thus able to benefit from Callen-Lorde's clinic (linked by a previous commenter). C-L has trans health care which does not require therapy prior to starting hormones. So you could start there (or another informed consent hormones provider), and at the same time, get set up with a therapist. You could also attend some groups, often run by therapists, for instance those at the Gender Identity Project (www.gaycenter.org/gip/), which also has one on one therapy. These services have options for low income clients.

It sounds like you are clear about wanting to start hormones...and also about wanting to have support around some issues that might include trans stuff. So I don't see it as an either/or.

If you are somewhere else in NY state, there are still some options for low cost and/or sliding scale, but it would help to have a better sense of location. (PM is fine.) As far as medicaid, that might depend on the coding. In MA, which I'm more familiar with, the state and federally-funded plans do end up covering basic hormones and the pricier blood tests for medical monitoring.

Oh Yes, sorry, I am in NYC. A girl I used to know told me about CL. She said it's pretty quick if you're 18 year's old (which I am). I think I evaluated myself and I think I'm ready. (Although self-evaluation could be biased.) Are you also in New York (NYC)?

[MrTesto]

No, but I have hung out there a lot and have friends there. Give CL a call. There tends to be a bit of a wait for some of their programs, and I think HOTT is one of them.

You are right, that self-evaluation could be biased, but they will discuss things with you as part of the process.