Questions about going to a therapist for the first time!

[Ms Jessica]

I have my first appointment with a therapist in two weeks.  Just made the appointment today.

My insurance doesn't cover anything close to GID, so I have to pay out of pocket, but whatever. 

Anyway, I'm wondering if there are certain things I should be looking for when I talk to her for the first time.  Are there any pointed questions I should ask?  Anything that might be a cause for concern? 

She seems nice (actually talked to her on the phone) and claims to have experience dealing with TG, so I'm feeling pretty hopeful. 

[Kate]

"Are you familiar with the Standards of Care?"

"Do you follow them?"

"Can you provide HRT and SRS letters?"

"If so, what are your requirements for each?"

"Do you offer a support group?"

"Do you have doctors, endos and surgeons you routinely work with and refer patients to?"

"How many TS clients have you treated?"

~Kate~

[Melissa-kitty]

You should have the feeling that he/she understands what you are saying, that she is knowledgeable, compassionate, and gives goals that make sense to you.
Remember, she works for you!

Namaste, Tara

[lady amarant]

Kate does a pretty good job of covering the bases. All I would probably add is to ask what version of the Standards of Care the therapist uses. Keep in mind that older versions, which are still used by many therapists, are much more restrictive than release 6. Also, the Harry Benjamin SOC's aren't the only ones followed - Besides the ICTLEP, many clinics, individual doctors and national healthcare bodies have their own modified versions, for example the UK, Netherlands and Germany.

Better yet, just ask for a printed copy of the SOC the therapist follows, then both of you know where you stand.

[Ms Jessica]

Thanks to everyone for the replies!  Kate-- all excellent suggestions for questions.  Thanks so much everybody!


Posted on: April 03, 2008, 12:22:21 PMSo, I just had my first appointment.  I think she's great, and it's going to be very helpful having someone to talk to.  I was so nervous right before!  <Breathes a big sigh of relief>

So, for anyone looking for a therapist, or just starting out, I have some info that may or may not be of help: 

My insurance carrier doesn't cover GID.  My therapy visits are not covered for anything other than "Serious Mental Illness" -- this is called SMI Coverage Only.  In other words, unless you are really going to kill yourself or something, you have to pay for all therapy visits yourself. 
However, you are allowed to get assessment visits, regardless of whether you have SMI or not.  There's a number on the back of my insurance card for Behavioral Health Approvals, so I called them up and said I wanted to see a therapist.  They don't really ask what it's for, they just check to make sure that the person you want to see is an approved provider.  I gave them the name of the therapist I wanted to see, and they gave me an authorization number over the phone so I could make an appointment. 
I have an authorization for four assessment appointments, at which point my insurance will probably not cover additional visits, so I'll have to start paying out of pocket, but at least I got four visits covered!  When you think about how much therapy costs, that can be a few hundred dollars.  All I have to make is the co-payment for the 4 visits.