Does she sound legit?

[Starla]

I emailed this therapist after reading about her online, she's only an hour away and seems like a good choice. I am looking to begin my transition asap and finding a good therapist is the first step. Here is her reply, for those who have dealt with therapists and prices please let me know if this seems like a nice shot or if I should look elsewhere.

Hi!



I have worked with many trans individuals, couples and families over the years (don't have a specific number I can quote). In terms of recommending surgery or hormone therapy, I have provided letters of recommendation for clients once it seems like they are emotionally and socially ready. Some come to see me and are ready to transition and others are just thinking about transition. I work from an apporach that recognizes the client as the expert.



I do not take insurance and my fee is $100 per hour/sessoin. We can meet weekly or as often as you would like (some people only come monthly).

I have read horror stories and my biggest fear is wasting my money and time by going to someone who won't recommend hrt or srs for whatever reason.
So there you have it. Any comments/suggestions/ideas would be greatly appreciated. 

[AnneB]

Hi Starla (love the name!)

I have my first session next week, and reading many profiles and pages of therapists around here, that sounds, to me, like the norm.  The fact that she says that she "considers the client the expert", sounds like she is open, and encouraging.  I think I would consider her to likely to sign off on HRT.

$100/hr, and no insurance..  the lady I will be going to, is one recommended by a friend who just completed her transition, charges $85/hr, cash/chk only, no insurance, which does not seem out of the norm (insurance-wise).  It does seem a bit steep, but have you thought about how often are you planning your sessions for?  I am not sure myself, I guess it depends on how fast you want to get thru your journey.  But I pray you find her warm, encouraging, and helpful.

Anne

[JennX]

Sounds fair. Price is good and less than what I was paying. Previous trans-patient experience is key IMHE, so you should be fine. 

[Jill F]

Yes, she seems to be making the right noises.  $100 is a lot less than what mine charges and I found her to be worth every penny.

[Jessica Merriman]

If you are near a major University call their Psychology Department. I use the one at Oklahoma State University and it is only $10.00 a session (sliding scale) and you do not have to be a student. They can write all the letters necessary for HRT or SRS in the future. Only my opinion though.

[AnneB]

^ I never thought of that..

[Missy~rmdlm]

Don't forget to submit receipts for out of network reimbursement if you have insurance.

[amZo]

Starla, sounds very legit to me.

Jessica, good suggestion, the first person I ever saw regarding this was a grad student there in Stillwater at their Psychology school clinic. It's been a long time though.

[Jessica Merriman]

It is going strong with several trans people being seen. I have had a great experience with them so far. If nothing else it is a good excuse to eat at Eskimo Joe's!

[Starla]

Thank you all for the wonderful advice! I will definitely be calling her soon. I would be LOST without this place thank you all so much. The support I have in my real life isn't that great but just knowing that I have support here makes it all worth it.