What should I expect from this therapist?

[tyler_c]

I emailed a therapist a few questions and I'm not sure what they mean by "psychological testing" and "specific criteria?"

Part of the process of getting an accurate diagnosis is doing some psychological testing, so the referral isn't just based on conversations. ​
There are specific criteria that must be met for a diagnosis of gender dysphoria, and a referral for hormone treatment rests on that diagnosis. There are also standards​ of care that dictate we must assess for other mental health diagnoses so you can be treated for those if present.

I don't want to keep asking questions via email? I can afford the therapy, but I'm worried they're gonna say I'm not "trans enough" and then there will be absolutely NO way my dad will let me see a different therapist.

[Alexthecat]

My old therapist pulled that "testing" stuff. $600 dollars later I realised they were full of themselves. They want you to take a personality test basically. This is where they will want to you have a job to pay for transition and then if you have any 'daddy issues' then they will want to work through those first. Then if you do not go out and do 'normal' things with friends then they will want that to happen too. Plus you get judged on what you wear and if you are not a 'talk about your feelings' kind of person that delays things. Then they want you to know all the effects of T and how to get it and who you plan to get it from.

If you get my drift my experience with therapists like that have not been good.



<Look after you language please>
Forum Admin

[Laura_7]

Here are a few experienced online gender therapists who also may write letters for hrt, you may ask:

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,187135.0.html


hugs

[tyler_c]

I don't know if I can put links here, but you can look at their website by googling:
Psychological Services of St. Louis, LLC

They seem LGBT friendly? 

[Laura_7]

I don't know if I can put links here, but you can look at their website by googling:
Psychological Services of St. Louis, LLC

They seem LGBT friendly? 

They say they are lgbt friendly.

"sexual orientation and gender-related concerns"

I personally would aks via phone (or possibly email) what kind of tests they do and how much experience they have treating transgender people.

Basically imo it should be finding out what you want. Crossing off a list does not sound too appealing to me.
Basically its you who should say how you feel and what you need.

There are certain standards where some criteria is given.
You can look it up, there are wpath standards for example.

If you have one shot at this you might look for someone who has explicitly gender therapy on their list, and experience in treating transgender people.


hugs

[AnonyMs]

I believe it's always best to look for or ask for personal recommendations from other trans people. If you can't find any ask, and post your the area you're interested in in the title so people who might know will see it.