T from Feminist Women's Health Center?

[Tuxedo]

Has anyone gotten their T prescription through FWHC? According to their website, there is no therapy letter requirement.

Before anyone judges me by saying that I should receive therapy before making this life-changing decision, I completely agree with you, although I doubt anyone would be transgender for the heck of it. However, living in a conservative state, there doesn't seem to be any gender specific therapist in my area. If I go to a therapist in general, I'm afraid they'll be someone completely ignorant on the matter and purposefully give me a hard time, which other transgenders unfortunately have experienced.

That being said and done, has any FTM on here gone to this Atlanta based clinic for testosterone? If so, do you just waltz on it and set up a same day appointment? Instead of a letter requirement, it says I need real life experience living as my identified gender, how do I go about proving that, or is it just assumed? I do not live in Georgia, so I don't want to drive down there and not be eligible.

Edit: Forgot to provide links to their websites.
http://www.transhealthinitiative.org/
http://www.feministcenter.org/health-wellness-services/trans-health-initiative/about-thi

[aleon515]

Perhaps this is an informed consent type center. I have no experience with them (don't live in the area). Another option in a red state is Planned Parenthood (not all of them, but some prescribe T).

--Jay

[invisiblemonsters]

for real life experiences they usually want proof of you living full time in your preferred gendered. whether that is a letter from employer/school/volunteering under your preferred gender/name, proof of name change, etc. some places require real life experience for a certain amount of time like 12 months, 2 years, etc.

[blink]

That's where I get my prescription for T. They did not demand "proof" of my RLE, although I was prepared and could have given them some contacts to call and ask. Last I heard, they are full up and not taking new patients. Call them, don't just drive down. If nothing else they may be able to refer you to somebody.

[d0omrider]

I tried going here. They did say that they needed a therapist letter and that they didn't accept informed consent for patients under 18. They're booked and have quite a long wait list. However, if you try emailing them, they are EXTREMELY helpful and they will refer you to people that can get you started on testosterone.

[aleon515]

The supposed "real life test" for T isn't something recommended these days, would be a hang on from earlier times.  It's possibly quite a dangerous thing. "Informed consent" isn't something you can legally do before the age of consent (which is 18). Nothing to do with this particular clinic, and doesn't matter how sensible you might be. It is a legal requirement. (The only possible exception might be someone who is an emancipated minor. This is a minor who has some legal rights of someone who is 18.

--Jay

[Tuxedo]

@aleon515
Will look into it, thanks!

@invisiblemonsters
Alright, I was planning on maybe getting some references. Thank you.

@blink

Thanks for letting me know that they're full. If you wouldn't mind, could you tell me how it all went down, like how you set up the initial appointment? If not, no hard feelings.


@d0omrider
Will definitely e-mail them, thanks! Just to double check, no therapist letter if you're over 18 right?

[blink]

Thanks for letting me know that they're full. If you wouldn't mind, could you tell me how it all went down, like how you set up the initial appointment? If not, no hard feelings.

Might be forgetting some details but you'll get the idea.

I called with a list of questions in hand (regarding what to bring, fees, etc.). They asked me some basic questions - do you identify fully as male and use male pronouns, have you been living as male for at least 1 year, any health issues, that sort of thing. They answered my questions. We set up an appointment.

To my first appointment I brought the cash (IIRC it was $100, 50 for the initial appointment/consult, 50 for the lab work), my legal name change documentation, ID, the results from a pap smear dated less than 1 year prior. Filled out forms, answered questions, listened to the effects & side effects from a nurse. They weighed me and drew blood for lab work. When the lab work came back OK about a week later, they phoned in the prescription to the pharmacy, called me. Told me to call them when I had done my first shot, and make sure to call back to set up the 3 month lab work appointment.