Transitioning in Portland Oregon

[Rem]

Hello~

I live near the Portland Oregon area [though in Vancouver, WA. They don't have as many resources it seems.], and have no doubt I want to take the step to HrT. I would prefer not giving a therapist the power and control over this, since I view it as essential in the next few steps in my life. I'd love to explain and make excuses, but in my opinion this sort of thing shouldn't be controlled by anyone else. As long as I'm a consenting adult, I think I should be able to take this step in helping me with my gender dysphoria so I don't have to stress about what someone else thinks or thrive for their approval. So if there is anyone in this area who has advice toward my goal I would really appreciate it.

[Ameilia Pond]

I live in Portland. I just started HRT last week. Still too early to see any results, but it has been fun.

I have a therapist who has been a great part of the process for me. She doesn't dictate what is right or wrong for me, but listens to my needs and helps make them happen. I told her that I wanted to live as a woman and hav felt that way for a long time. She only asked questions that helped me prepare.

Having a therapist is a nice sounding board, especially for later when you really start to embrace the changes and start to live full time as a woman.

[Oliviah]

I have found most reputable endo's require you have a letter from a therapist even in Informed Consent states.  My therapist required I see her 3 months.  The reason for gate keeping is that HRT is a big deal.  It produced irreversible changes. 

Mentally and emotionally unstable people might not be helped by HRT.  I would recommend seeing a therapist and following the rules.  They are there for your benefit. 

[captains]

I'd recommend going to Outside In. They're an informed consent clinic, and while they may be busy/not suit your needs/whatever, I'm fairly certain that at the very least, they have a good, comprehensive resource list. There's also the Q Center. You can find their list of medical providers here: http://www.pdxqcenter.org/resources/medical/.

You don't need an official letter for many of them, although of course you will be interviewed by the doctors, and it'll likely take a few visits before you can walk out with hormones.

[Rem]

Thank you so much for your replies! 

@Amelia I'm glad to hear you found such a great therapist who connected with you and could help you move forward into your life as a woman! I wish you happiness~ Hopefully I find a good therapist like yours if it comes down to it.

@Oliviah If it comes down to it, then I will see a therapist. I'm not exactly banking serious money with my part time job, and the thought of having to invest in someone who may or may not decide today or the next month it's okay to move forward doesn't seem appealing to me. I am sure this is the next step I want to take, and have no doubts. If I ever, for whatever weird reason, regret it... then I can only blame myself at that point. I do enjoy hearing other people's stories and experiences, and hope to share mine as well though. I will be looking into attending community meetings and hopefully making friends.

@captains Thank you very much! I have called the clinic and will be becoming a new patient soon.

I appreciate you all for taking time to reply. Hoping for the best!

[captains]

Great! I used to work there, and I thought things were pretty accessible and respectful -- although tbf, I never experienced it from the patient side. Jazz (the trans clinic coordinator) is a good guy. Hope it works out for you.

[iKate]

I have found most reputable endo's require you have a letter from a therapist even in Informed Consent states.  My therapist required I see her 3 months.  The reason for gate keeping is that HRT is a big deal.  It produced irreversible changes. 

Mentally and emotionally unstable people might not be helped by HRT.  I would recommend seeing a therapist and following the rules.  They are there for your benefit.

Mine just asked if I was seeing a therapist.

Some of them don't require a therapist. Callen-Lorde in NYC doesn't. They have their own in house mental health providers who will see you and in 1-2 visits you can get your first dose.