Trans-Friendly Psychiatrist in Northeastern Indiana

[vanderpn]

So today my psychiatrist (not therapist) and I had a falling out because apparently he is very against hormones; it was a clear "never," not just a "not now." Although I do think some of my mental health issues would be mitigated by transitioning, I do have issues that I think I need to address with a psychiatrist and possibly medication. So, I really need to find a new psychiatrist, because I do not want to go back to someone who is never going to let me transition.

So, does anyone know of any trans-friendly psychiatrists (has to be a medical doctor who can prescribe medication; I already have a good therapist) in the Northeastern Indiana area? I've already tried to search online and found a few psychiatrists in my area, but no mention of transgender issues whatsoever.

If you need more information about where specifically I live, I can pm you; I'd rather not publicly post any more specific than above though.

Thanks so much for the help.

[vanderpn]

Just wanted to post an update/rant:

I apologized to my psychiatrist for my lashing out, then asked him very pointedly what his opinion of transgender hormone replacement therapy, in case I had misinterpreted.

His response was that he has no problem with anyone identifying as their preferred gender identity. However, he believes changing one's hormones or anatomy is "unhealthy." He did claim that he has worked with transgender people who have pursued these things and is willing to work with me.

I'm just not sure that I can reconcile this... How can someone who makes his living changing people's brain chemistry using only their personal accounts as a diagnosis and evaluation believe this?!

I just feel like he is not really supportive of trans people and their gender identities if he holds this opinion. And that's perhaps what irks me more than the opinion itself. But the opinion bothers me too.

What about people born with cleft palates? Is changing their anatomy "unhealthy"? What about cis-men and cis-women with hormone imbalances? I have a feeling that he would be just fine with treating those with hormones, as before I came out to him, he even had my thyroid tested.

So if he is okay with these changes for other reasons, but not okay with them for gender dysphoria, then he doesn't really support people's gender identities.

[Dena]

It sounds to me like your psychiatrist fails to understand that the dysphoria we experience is due to the primary sex hormone flowing in our blood stream. This is a physical condition more than it's a mental condition. Yes we need therapy to deal with the problems caused by the physical condition but it is primarily a physical condition and as such, it demand HRT as part of the treatment. In MTFs this means a blocker to stop testosterone production. In the FTM testosterone is sufficient to deal with estrogen production but there are blockers available for use in teens.

As for your first post, try two searches. The first would be "town LGBT" and you are looking for a center that may be able to connect you with local resources. The other search would be "town Gender Therapist". The second list may turn up people with little or no skill so check out the references carefully before deciding on one.

[vanderpn]

Thanks for the reply, Dena. I am trying on my own research too, I just thought that I'd supplement it with asking here just incase anyone were from my area.

To continue the saga, I am discovering that psychiatrists offices are incredibly evasive. I have called several today trying desperately to find out the doctor's opinion of HRT specifically for transgender people, only to get a generic, "Well, the doctor sees all types of patients..." answer. That doesn't mean they are happy about it or are kind to their patients or don't engage in gate keeping. Unfortunately, it looks like I might have to settle for a "not no" instead of a resounding "yes."