The cost of therapy has crushed me

[Riot Wild]

I got a call back from the therapists office and they have 2 that specialize in gender issues. The first is also an endocrinologist and certified and the second is earning her certification. They can give me the paperwork to send to my insurance to see if I can be reimbursed but I have to pay the office directly first. The first therapist cost $200/hour and the second is $100/hour. The first session is 2 hours long. There's no way I'll have that much on a regular basis. How often do you have to go to your therapist?

[Nygeel]

Is this therapist out of network? What are the terms of your insurance? Most people that I know of see a therapist once a week or every other week. It might take one or two sessions for them to approve you for hormones (depending on the doctor). There are other options out there, I know there's some therapists that have experience with trans people and will do skype calls for under $100.

[xponentialshift]

Frequency depends on the individual. I started out once per week,  but once my therapist and I realized I had done so much research th at I knew the answers to all of the questions normally asked we switched to once every 4-6 weeks. I'm sure once hormones start making significant changes and I get closer to full time the frequency will go back up.

Also if you have other things to talk about, other than gender identity/transition, that would increase the frequency too.

My therapist is $150 per 50 minutes so your prices look about right. My insurance covers 50%, but if your insurance doesn't cover it many therapists have a lower income/uninsured rate available. (Usually $60-$90)

[Silver Centurion]

I haven't been able to go to therapy for months because of no insurance and I can't afford it. Being reimbursed for the appointment sucks Is there a therapist available that takes your insurance in network? The frequency you go to the appointments is dependent upon how you feel. The endo I have no experience with but my spouse saw them once a month then once every couple of months just to check in to make sure all was well bloodwork wise and for the doctor to see how they were doing.

[Riot Wild]

Nygeel I'd be interested in the ones that will do skype calls. And after looking this was the only office in my state and the next nearest one is 3hrs away :/ I don't believe the office is in network because it doesn't appear to be connected to the 2 approved hospitals I can receive care with.

[Emily1996]

MY therapy is only $50 I don't know why your is so expensive! You should try another therapist maybe? D:

[Nygeel]

Nygeel I'd be interested in the ones that will do skype calls. And after looking this was the only office in my state and the next nearest one is 3hrs away :/ I don't believe the office is in network because it doesn't appear to be connected to the 2 approved hospitals I can receive care with.

I can't really say much about who would be good or who wouldn't be.
Donna Riley is somebody I've met. I know people she's helped but I can't say much about if she's good or bad or if she's affordable. 
Melissa Leonhardt, MA NCC LPC charges $120 for three sessions.
Marybeth Markham MA, LMHCA uses sliding scale.

[Ryan55]

Mine was only $30 for a session

[Skyler]

Mine was 100$/hr but i have to drive 3hrs there and 3hrs back...expensive after awhile.

USA NY

[King Malachite]

I saw my therapist via Skype 3 times before I got my top surgery letter.  My costs were $160 per session.  Happy Birthday btw! 

[Rawb]

Guys, I think it's also important to say where you're from.
Cause 100$ in Canada is a bit different from $100 in the USA, and so on.

[Nygeel]

Guys, I think it's also important to say where you're from.
Cause 100$ in Canada is a bit different from $100 in the USA, and so on.

Not a huge difference. $100 Canadian=$93 US=$98 Aus