How do I work out if/when I should go to a shrink?

[AmandaJones]

So, I'm still starting out on working out where I am on the trans spectrum (and struggling with it emotionally, for various reasons, despite some amazingly supportive friends), and I've seen a lot of stuff about seeing a therapist/counsellor/other-name-for-the-same-thing about gender issues.

How do I know if I would be better off seeing one?

How do I find out how much it'd cost me? Money's a big issue right now...

And... how do I find one?

(if it's relevant to the answers, this girl is from the land down under, where women glow and men chunder and I now have that song stuck in my head)

[AmandaJones]

Please forgive the bump.

I realise it's a bit of a complex question, but if anyone has any experiences they could share on the topic, I'd be really appreciative.

[LordKAT]

Cost wise, it depends on who you see and what their policies are. If you need one depends on if you would like help with all the stuff that goes with transition.

[kelly_aus]

Finding a therapist in Aus depends on where you are. But we do have some good ones here.

As to whether you need one? If you are not finding answers by yourself, it's probably not a bed idea to consider a shrink, who still won't give you any answers, but will help you find them.. Sometimes it's an independant and outside perspective is needed.

Medicare here in Aus covers most of my therapt costs.. I pay a $35 gap per session, so costs aren't horrific.. Also a $35ish gap for seeing my gyno, who looks after my hormones - which are also on the PBS..