therapists, transitioning, doctors, etc

[jasperbeauclair]

i havent spoken to any therapists since i was maybe 12 or so and i told my therapist about my gender identity. things happened and for some reason she told my mother, beginning a lot of abuse and stuff. obviously after that, my mom never let me go back to the therapist.
im 18 now and was wondering how would i go about getting a therapist? someone who understands my issues, and who would follow the law and not tell others if im not at danger.
on the same note, i am wondering about beginning transitioning and doctors and things, when should i think about stuff like that?

[KamTheMan]

Dude. I am so sorry that happened with your therapist when you were younger, that was definitely not cool. First thing to do really is just jump on Google. Search gender therapists with your city and state. Search for a nearby LGBT Center, they usually have at least a list of resources. You should think about taking each additional step only if you feel comfortable. Therapy is a GREAT place to start. Good luck with everything and holler if you need support!

[Bimmer Guy]

i havent spoken to any therapists since i was maybe 12 or so and i told my therapist about my gender identity. things happened and for some reason she told my mother, beginning a lot of abuse and stuff. obviously after that, my mom never let me go back to the therapist.
im 18 now and was wondering how would i go about getting a therapist? someone who understands my issues, and who would follow the law and not tell others if im not at danger.
on the same note, i am wondering about beginning transitioning and doctors and things, when should i think about stuff like that?

Now that you are 18, they can't tell your mother (or anyone) anything or they are breaking the law (HIPPA).


https://www.susans.org/Healthcare/Therapists_and_Counselors/USA/

http://www.drbecky.com/therapists02.html

www.wpath.org  (look under providers)

A gender therapist should have resources and point you in the right direction for transition.  If there is no one close enough to you on this list, call whoever is closest and see if they can recommend someone. 

[evan114]

Even if you are under 18, they are not supposed to tell anyone, in my understanding of it at least.

[ImagineKate]

im 18 now and was wondering how would i go about getting a therapist? someone who understands my issues, and who would follow the law and not tell others if im not at danger.

I asked here for a local recommendation. If you don't mind saying what state/city or country you're in, maybe we can recommend one.

on the same note, i am wondering about beginning transitioning and doctors and things, when should i think about stuff like that?

Everything is at your pace but I think traditionally the therapist would have to write a recommendation. In my case, they don't because we do informed consent and the clinic just gives you paperwork outlining the risks etc. For SRS you would want 2 letters of recommendation but that is going to be at least a year if not more. My experience may not be typical of what you would experience.

[FTMax]

im 18 now and was wondering how would i go about getting a therapist? someone who understands my issues, and who would follow the law and not tell others if im not at danger.
on the same note, i am wondering about beginning transitioning and doctors and things, when should i think about stuff like that?

How to get a therapist? There are some good online resources around the forum here, and I'm sure if you wanted personal recommendations you'd easily get some. Check out the links Brett provided above to start, then let us know who you've decided to pursue and maybe someone can chime in.

When should you think about beginning transitioning and doctors and things like that? Sounds like you already are 

I would say start with some soul searching and figure out the answers to the most common questions that will most likely be asked of you, like: how do you identify, what are your preferred pronouns, what would your goals with transitioning be? Then get in touch with a therapist and talk to them for a few sessions. This will likely help you answer any lingering questions in your mind and provide you with some support should you decide that transitioning is right for you at this time. They can give you referrals to other doctors. You could also find an LGBT clinic and see what kind of resources they have - my local one is kind of a one stop shop for all things trans (therapists on site, endos on site, labs on site, legal team on site, etc.).

[Bimmer Guy]

Even if you are under 18, they are not supposed to tell anyone, in my understanding of it at least.

I depends on your state when the "age of legal consent" is.  Most states are 18 for mental health.  Maryland, for example though, is 16.

I am not saying it was good treatment to tell their mother, I am just saying that they did not break any HIPPA laws by telling the parent.

[jasperbeauclair]

i live in pascagoula, mississippi (close to biloxi if anyone knows the giant popular casino city). im not aware of any lgbt things around, ive only heard of stuff as close as florida.

ive found this person but i havent contacted them. i couldnt find an email and i dont have a phone nor any "good" times to call, such as days or hours that theyd to easily contact them.
Lydia Constantin R.N., L.C.S.W.
Gulfport, MS
(228) 822-0800

also, what are some price ranges for therapists?

[Bimmer Guy]

i live in pascagoula, mississippi (close to biloxi if anyone knows the giant popular casino city). im not aware of any lgbt things around, ive only heard of stuff as close as florida.

ive found this person but i havent contacted them. i couldnt find an email and i dont have a phone nor any "good" times to call, such as days or hours that theyd to easily contact them.
Lydia Constantin R.N., L.C.S.W.
Gulfport, MS
(228) 822-0800

also, what are some price ranges for therapists?

There is a huge range.  Some therapist may change $85, while another charges $125.  If you have insurance and she is a provider, you will pay whatever your insurance says is your copay.  By being a provider for your insurance, she has agreed to accept that amount.

Call her and leave a message.  Everyone is nervous when they have to make the call.  There is no "good time" to call a therapist, they are often in with a client.  Leave a message telling her when it is best for you to call her back and she will fit it into her schedule.

[FTMax]

Also, take a gander here:

http://unityms.org/directory

I searched for Biloxi, MS LGBTQ resources. That directory link has information about local businesses, including therapists. I looked through them and there are a few that say they've worked with trans patients before. If you find someone that sounds good, find their website and see if they have a contact form. that way they could email you instead of calling if that works better for you.

Good luck!

[FTMax]

Meant to answer your other question as well, oops. Like Brett said, lots of variation in prices that therapists charge. Some do not accept insurance, or may not accept yours. I've heard of some people going through the psychology departments of local universities if you live near one. Those seemed to be low cost options.

As a point of reference: in-person therapy at my local LGBTQ center costs $20/session, which is my insurance copay. My online sessions with a therapist not through the center are not covered by insurance and cost $42/session. I'm willing to pay more for online sessions because they work better for me overall. Don't get too hung up on price right away - look for a therapist who is the right fit.