A clueless 16 year old needs help...

[DarkShark]

Hi!!
I'm new here, sorry if I say weird stuff >~>

Anyway, I'm a 16 year old trans girl. I live in New York State, and I want to start HRT. I have been seeing a psychologist for the last few months, and I have started seeing a psychiatrist today. The thing is... I'm not sure how to go about this. I've been getting advice from a trans girl online, but that's about it.
I don't know how else to ask this, but... would anyone be able to tell me how this all works? I'm very clueless with all of this, and I have no one around to really help me with questions. I guess what I'm asking is, is there anyone that is willing to answer some questions for me? Anyone who is familiar with this stuff? It would help me, a lot. I have a lot of mental health problems as a result of my dysphoria, and no matter how many times I explain it to my psychologist, she tells me it is extremely difficult for a minor to start HRT. I don't know if that is true... as I'm beginning to realize she isn't the best at her job, and I don't think she knows very much about ->-bleeped-<- in general.

[Northern Star Girl]

Hi!!
I'm new here, sorry if I say weird stuff >~>

Anyway, I'm a 16 year old trans girl. I live in New York State, and I want to start HRT. I have been seeing a psychologist for the last few months, and I have started seeing a psychiatrist today. The thing is... I'm not sure how to go about this. I've been getting advice from a trans girl online, but that's about it.
I don't know how else to ask this, but... would anyone be able to tell me how this all works? I'm very clueless with all of this, and I have no one around to really help me with questions. I guess what I'm asking is, is there anyone that is willing to answer some questions for me? Anyone who is familiar with this stuff? It would help me, a lot. I have a lot of mental health problems as a result of my dysphoria, and no matter how many times I explain it to my psychologist, she tells me it is extremely difficult for a minor to start HRT. I don't know if that is true... as I'm beginning to realize she isn't the best at her job, and I don't think she knows very much about ->-bleeped-<- in general.

@DarkShark
Dear DarkShark:
    I am happy to see that you have come back to Susan's Place and that you have submitted your first posting here on the Forums as you have now returned.    Since you were previously a member I am certain that you know the rules here but I want to refresh your memory.

    As you post here on the forums you will be able to exchange thoughts and comments with others that are experiencing many of the same things.

    This is the right place for you to be to find out what others may have to say that may have been in your circumstances and with your questions and concerns.
    There are a lot of members here that will be able to identify with your situation as you continue to feel free to share it.

    I also want to warmly RE-WELCOME you to Susan's Place. 
You will find this a safe and friendly place to share with others and to read about others similar trials, tribulations, and successes.

    As you are certainly aware you can share with others and involve yourself with some give and take with other like-minded members.  When frustrated or if you have successes you can share it here if you wish and receive support from others and offer support to others. ....
     ***There is a very good chance that you might find that you will make some new like-minded friends here. 

    Please come in and continue to be involved at your own pace.
   
    There is information and important LINKS that I have included below.   You will find information about the site that will help you navigate around and best utilize the features here.   
Please look closely at the LINKS in RED, answers are there to many questions that new members ask.

Again, Welcome to Susan's Place.
Danielle

Here are some links to the site rules and stuff that all new members should be familiar with:
 

Things that you should read

Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By	Standard Terms & Definitions	Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar)	Cautionary Note
Reputation rules	News posting & quoting guidelines	Photo, avatars, & signature images policy	Membership Agreement

[Northern Star Girl]

@DarkShark
Oh, and another thing DarkShark...
Thank you for submitting your informative and interesting first Introductions post.

Since you are 16 years old and one of our younger members please find your way to
a more youth-oriented   Youth Introductions Forum  to let more members know of your arrival to the Forums.

You will also find an entire  Youth Talk Forum  section that with have other younger members there that can share possibly more relevant information with you.
   
Thank you again for joining Susan's Place and being involved in the Forums here.
Best wishes to you,
Danielle
NOTE:  Now that this Greeting and Welcoming stuff is done with you can have your post back so you can continue to seek answers to your concerns.

[DarkShark]

@DarkShark
Oh, and another thing DarkShark...
Thank you for submitting your informative and interesting first Introductions post.

Since you are 16 years old and one of our younger members please find your way to
a more youth-oriented   Youth Introductions Forum  to let more members know of your arrival to the Forums.

You will also find an entire  Youth Talk Forum  section that with have other younger members there that can share possibly more relevant information with you.
   
Thank you again for joining Susan's Place and being involved in the Forums here.
Best wishes to you,
Danielle
NOTE:  Now that this Greeting and Welcoming stuff is done with you can have your post back so you can continue to seek answers to your concerns.

Thank you very much Miss greeter person =3

[Kendra]

Hello DarkShark, welcome to Susan's.  I was quite clueless when I started my transition and had to quickly learn quite a bit.   

One way to check if a therapist or other professional has a background in transgender topics is locate their profile or introduction on their clinic's page.  Transition is usually easier if you can work with health care professionals familiar with what you need.  You potentially have initial options for HRT if your parents are able to sign the authorization forms. 

One thing that helps for finding specific information on Susan's Place is the Search function.  In the upper right corner, if you click Search while leaving that field blank it will open an Advanced Search function. 

Glad to see you here!

Kendra

[Dena]

Welcome to Susan's Place. It's very easy to get answers here and all you need to do is go to the top of the screen then click on Forums. You will get a number of places where you can post your question so pick the one that best matches your question. Don't worry if you get it wrong because a moderator will move it to the correct location when they discover the problem. Location is important because you are more likely to find people in that area who will answer your question.

As for your question about starting HRT young, doctors tend to provide sex hormone blockers to younger member to delay puberty. This works well for MTF members but blocker are a bit more limited for FTM members. Actual sex hormones are normally withheld until you reach 18 years of age and are legally able to get permission for your own treatment. Sometimes it is possible for the parents to sign for the child but that can very depending on where you live.

Some of the caution is because gender identity can be somewhat fluid before adulthood so the delay helps ensure that the right decision is made. Not everybody changes their mind but enough might so caution is best when making a decision.