CAMH (Toronto) Center of Addiction and Mental Health.

[lpfix2009]

This goes out to my fellow Canadians.

In Canada, specifically Ontario.. most of us are routed over to CAMH which is a clinic which used to be called the Clarke E. Institute.

The head psychiatrist is Dr. Dickie and the therapist is Maxine Petersen. This would be for the adult portion.

I remember back in 2005 when I first approached hormonal therapy at CAMH and I was required a 1YR RLE (Real Life Experience) before I can be considered for hormones. I didn't at this point want to wait the one year, which, I end up waiting and got the hormones in 2006 by Dr. John Goodhew (Mind you not this doctor is drop dead georgeous).

I was there exploring the new world of hormonal therapy as changes slowly started to occur within my body.

I should of continued going to CAMH at this point which I nearly skipped 2 years, and I was stuck waiting longer for surgery. As I returned to CAMH finding the point of SRS being needed I found out that OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) is now covering the surgery in full.

I got my BA (Breast Augmentation) in Feb of 2009.

To my surprise, I was in the right moment at the right time. I finally got my name changed and was given the patience and wait ordeal with every visit till the last one. I finally heard something I've been longing to hear and thats that the next visit would possibilly be the surgery approval.

The only thing is being approved by CAMH for OHIP funding is that your routed to Dr. Brassard only. I thought I was told by the therapist at the time that there might be a few locations that OHIP would cover.

Not that it really matters because Dr. Brassard is very skilled and has done over 1200 surgeries and saw a lot of complications in his day.

His facilities offers the most friendly environment during your stay and you feel at home. (Besides the groggy feeling of the after effects of SRS)

I wait the moment of 2010, the year I turn 24, the year I receive SRS.

Note: I wouldn't waste your time with another therapist unless you want to dish out $18,400.00 out of your pockets while it can be paid for and you can use this money for other things.

-Sara

[Lachlann]

Most of us have to go to CAMH for surgery if we can't afford it, that's a given. But I'm still not comfortable sitting in with them for hormones.

At this point, surgery is not a concern for me, hormones are. And it seems like CAMH is the only one willing to take me in from outside of Toronto. I know this is in the SRS section, but I'm curious about what little experience you had with CAMH and attempting to get hormones from them.

[lpfix2009]

Most of us have to go to CAMH for surgery if we can't afford it, that's a given. But I'm still not comfortable sitting in with them for hormones.

At this point, surgery is not a concern for me, hormones are. And it seems like CAMH is the only one willing to take me in from outside of Toronto. I know this is in the SRS section, but I'm curious about what little experience you had with CAMH and attempting to get hormones from them.

I am outside of Toronto as well, I am far up north of Ontario.

I created this post to help people in Ontario, if we can all add our two cents instead of saying CAMH is a bad place. We can help people along.

Well what happened in 2005 is I came in and had to do the 3 therapist seeing I met Dr. Dickie for the first time, then another person i forgot he rname then maxine petersen. I was ready to start hormones at this period in time when I first got there.

They gave me a specific set of rules I had to follow before I could get the hormones. This one rule was to "CrossDress" for a year or in their terms live in the adopted gender role for 1year. I am using the term loosely btw... I didn't like originally when they said this, and I was kind of mad, but that was selffish or stupid on my part.

I always have a fun time when I visit CAMH now I laugh, make jokes, I basically act the way I am

Unfortunately I can't give you more details then that, they gave me the rules and I was mad about it. In the end it worked out. All I really needed was my freakin name change which I was stubborn to get. The one year RLE for SRS starts on name change! This is a very important step.

A lot of other therapist might get you the hormones script within 3 months or 6 months but to my knowledge I still think CAMH does the 1YR Hormones, 1YR RLE SRS. I don't know if it's based on a complete 2 years cycle, but I know that for an example, Dr. Brassard requires a certain length of time for you to be on hormones before he will operate on you.

Hope this helps. I got my meds through Dr. John Goodhew, I did share with Petersen my doses and I assume they were ok.

[Lachlann]

I see. I'm from Southern Ontario.

Well, I'm FTM and the thought of doing the one-two year real life experience thing would be sort of pointless and doesn't seem to be common practise to make us do it elsewhere for practicality reasons. I'm not sure if they'd still make me do it, though, I'd hope not. I've waited 5 years to be of age to transition, I don't want to wait more when I'm even more fragile.

[lpfix2009]

I see. I'm from Southern Ontario.

Well, I'm FTM and the thought of doing the one-two year real life experience thing would be sort of pointless and doesn't seem to be common practise to make us do it elsewhere for practicality reasons. I'm not sure if they'd still make me do it, though, I'd hope not. I've waited 5 years to be of age to transition, I don't want to wait more when I'm even more fragile.

Then I wouldn't wait, I would start therapy right away, that way they can assest you and make an evaluation and the time you are ready they will be ready for you too.

The one thing thing about FTM is unlike MTF where generally we are on estrogen for a long time, Tosterone in the FTM takes about a year for significant changes to occur.

Now the real life experience I would suggest to do it, if your not doing Real Life already how really ready are you? You gotta ask yourself that question.

I was doing the real life experience since 17, just I didnt like the whole wait a year thing. Anyways, do the Real Life Experience and everything will fall into place for you.

[Northern Jane]

The Clarke rejected me from their initial "study" in 1969 - I wasn't mentally disturbed enough to prove that SRS wasn't effective treatment - so I had to pay for my own surgery (when it became available in 1974) and went on to have a wonderful life.

I have often thought I should sue The Clarke and the Province of Ontario for denial of medical treatment (discrimination) and get my money back (with 35 years interest   )

[lpfix2009]

Ha, wouldn't that be cool. I wouldn't care paying the whole surgery but I require the two letters anyways and its a freebie as soon as you get the two letters now so ya..

[Lachlann]

Then I wouldn't wait, I would start therapy right away, that way they can assest you and make an evaluation and the time you are ready they will be ready for you too.

The one thing thing about FTM is unlike MTF where generally we are on estrogen for a long time, Tosterone in the FTM takes about a year for significant changes to occur.

Now the real life experience I would suggest to do it, if your not doing Real Life already how really ready are you? You gotta ask yourself that question.

I was doing the real life experience since 17, just I didnt like the whole wait a year thing. Anyways, do the Real Life Experience and everything will fall into place for you.

FTMs for the most part, pass until they open their mouths. The first few major changes with testosterone happen within a year and then it tapers off, yes, but we still have to keep taking it for the rest of our lives if we want all the changes to stay. But voice drops are usually the first. It's for this reason that the whole one year real life experience is discouraged for FTMs. I've already been living as a male for almost three years now and even longer presenting myself online. It would be a shame if they made me wait even longer. I've had a long time to figure myself out.

It's hard to use RLE for an FTM if people have a hard time treating you like a man instead of a Butch Lesbian. I wasn't blessed with a deep voice, it's actually quite light. When I do pass, it feels amazing.

[lpfix2009]

FTMs for the most part, pass until they open their mouths. The first few major changes with testosterone happen within a year and then it tapers off, yes, but we still have to keep taking it for the rest of our lives if we want all the changes to stay. But voice drops are usually the first. It's for this reason that the whole one year real life experience is discouraged for FTMs. I've already been living as a male for almost three years now and even longer presenting myself online. It would be a shame if they made me wait even longer. I've had a long time to figure myself out.

It's hard to use RLE for an FTM if people have a hard time treating you like a man instead of a Butch Lesbian. I wasn't blessed with a deep voice, it's actually quite light. When I do pass, it feels amazing.

I would focus on some voice routines to lower your voice, my ex girlfriend had some scary voices sometimes and she wasnt really trying.

CAMH RLE starts when you change your name, have you done that yet?

[Lachlann]

I would focus on some voice routines to lower your voice, my ex girlfriend had some scary voices sometimes and she wasnt really trying.

CAMH RLE starts when you change your name, have you done that yet?

I haven't been able to find any resources for FTM voice lowering. Everyone's answer to it is just 'get on testosterone'. People have said that I should try just singing in a lower register but that didn't really do much other than make my throat really hurt. As someone who sings, it didn't seem like a healthy method, haha.

I haven't been able to change my name because I don't want to rush into it. I'm naming myself, that's not something I want to take lightly. It would be a shame if I wasn't happy with it after the fact. I had a definite name I wanted to change it to but after a while I was uncertain if I wanted to use it. For now I just use a gender neutral name.

[lpfix2009]

I haven't been able to change my name because I don't want to rush into it. I'm naming myself, that's not something I want to take lightly. It would be a shame if I wasn't happy with it after the fact.

Unfortunately CAMH is really strict on the name change before you may start hormones.

I was able to get my hormones through the GP good looking doctor, his name is Dr. John Goodhew, he is on Dan Forth in Toronto.

He's dangerously hot though, don't tell him I said that

Sometimes it is better to listen to CAMH and follow proper SOC rules as for now.. a name change is needed. Take the advice and get one done. My name change costed me $137 on my MC and i got a shiney new paper in the mail 1 month after.

[Wendy1974]

Ipfix I am confused on one point in your post; did you get the Ontario government to pay for your breast augmentation?

Thanks
Wendy

[mmelny]

This goes out to my fellow Canadians.

In Canada, specifically Ontario.. most of us are routed over to CAMH which is a clinic which used to be called the Clarke E. Institute.


-Sara

Congratulations Sara!  That is wonderful news, and I'm so happy that the relisting of SRS with OHIP happened at a good time for you!

I arrived in Toronto a few months before the relisting of SRS.  And I heard (and had talked directly with a couple of women) of the horror stories of the Clarke / CamH, and chose to go to another LGBT health centre located with Toronto with strong support resources for trans folks.  I keep hearing 'rumors' that my health center is on the verge, or at least in consideration for being another option for recommendation for SRS to OHIP, but I'm not holding my breath.  Instead I'm saving my money and headed to Thailand.  I'm lucky (and indeed blessed)  in that I have this option, even though it may take a couple years to pay off.   

Congratulations again Sara!   Best wishes for 2010!  I'm due then too, *SMILES*.

*huggs*,
Melan

[Lachlann]

Sometimes it is better to listen to CAMH and follow proper SOC rules as for now.. a name change is needed. Take the advice and get one done. My name change costed me $137 on my MC and i got a shiney new paper in the mail 1 month after.

Then it seems CAMH is still backwards and behind on the times as always. I'm not going to change my name, that I can't even afford to do, just to get treatment and yes I am that poor. Especially considering I'm still deciding on one that fits me. Not to mention I still have to live with my parents who refuse to call me any masculine names or use any proper pronouns for me. I had to fight to get a proper masculine haircut a year ago instead of an androgynous one. If I had the money to change my name I wouldn't hear the end of it unless I was on hormones first.

[lpfix2009]

Ipfix I am confused on one point in your post; did you get the Ontario government to pay for your breast augmentation?

Thanks
Wendy

Congratulations Sara!  That is wonderful news, and I'm so happy that the relisting of SRS with OHIP happened at a good time for you!

I arrived in Toronto a few months before the relisting of SRS.  And I heard (and had talked directly with a couple of women) of the horror stories of the Clarke / CamH, and chose to go to another LGBT health centre located with Toronto with strong support resources for trans folks.  I keep hearing 'rumors' that my health center is on the verge, or at least in consideration for being another option for recommendation for SRS to OHIP, but I'm not holding my breath.  Instead I'm saving my money and headed to Thailand.  I'm lucky (and indeed blessed)  in that I have this option, even though it may take a couple years to pay off.   

Congratulations again Sara!   Best wishes for 2010!  I'm due then too, *SMILES*.

*huggs*,
Melan

Wendy, No I paid $8,000.00 for my boobs, it would of been nice if OHIP would of paid that

and for Melan are you talking about the Sherbourne Health Center or the 519?

Too bad we werent going at the same time, I would be comfortable going at the same time someone would be going to Brassard.

What's stopping you from getting a OHIP approval? Around Jan/Feb I will be getting approval then I have to wait once more depending on Brassard's waiting list.

[Wendy1974]

I am going to Brassard in April, maybe you'll be there when I am there. That would be nice!

[lpfix2009]

Then it seems CAMH is still backwards and behind on the times as always. I'm not going to change my name, that I can't even afford to do, just to get treatment and yes I am that poor. Especially considering I'm still deciding on one that fits me. Not to mention I still have to live with my parents who refuse to call me any masculine names or use any proper pronouns for me. I had to fight to get a proper masculine haircut a year ago instead of an androgynous one. If I had the money to change my name I wouldn't hear the end of it unless I was on hormones first.

Tristan ill be honest with you, changing your name is bigger.. then hormones. Why would you want a female name when and if you appear male?

This is the thing, I was in a rush myself to get hormones first and nothing but, but I had to gradually get to it I see why they make you get the name change and then get you on the pills. If you can get a name change and use this means that you've shown ability to take a step forward into your transition.

Now, while still is still legal and scripted as I said you can go see or make an appointment with Dr. John Goodhew in Toronto and he might take you under his wing which does not require an immediate name change.. Remember im not from Toronto neither.

However, I really suggest going through therapy first...


Post Merge: September 28, 2009, 10:38:18 PM

I am going to Brassard in April, maybe you'll be there when I am there. That would be nice!

That would be nice, I figure if I get my Approval in jan/feb i will be waiting 2-5 months to see brassard. He's one busy dude! lol

[Lachlann]

Tristan ill be honest with you, changing your name is bigger.. then hormones. Why would you want a female name when and if you appear male?

I don't want a female name, I loathe my female name. But changing your name is something you have to live with and I know several FTMs who didn't change their names until after they were on hormones. I know one guy who still hasn't made up his mind on his name and he's over a year on T.

I would like to have made up my mind one what name I would like to be called. But it's not always easy for some to find that right name. This has to be a name I will be satisfied for the rest of my life and I honestly find it ridiculous that name means so much to CAMH in order for them to give me hormones.

If I pick a male name when I'm uncertain if it's the right name, I don't want to go through the hassle of changing my name all over again and all my documents. I'm not going to get assistance for that a second time.

My point is, I'm not refusing to change my name out of choice, I'm refusing because this is the birth of a new me. Just like a parent wants to be sure of their child's name.

This is the thing, I was in a rush myself to get hormones first and nothing but, but I had to gradually get to it I see why they make you get the name change and then get you on the pills. If you can get a name change and use this means that you've shown ability to take a step forward into your transition.

Because it wouldn't make sense if someone had a gender neutral name if they liked it, but CAMH wanted them to change it to show them that they're ready to transition. Or what about MTFs with the name Ashley? That's a male name, though through a fad of mothers wanting to name their daughters male names, it became somewhat of a girl's name.

I would rather change the f to m on my documents right now and would be glad to than to be pushed to sort out my name right now. This is a point where I think CAMH needs to get it's priorities straight on what is considered a necessary step for transition.

Now, while still is still legal and scripted as I said you can go see or make an appointment with Dr. John Goodhew in Toronto and he might take you under his wing which does not require an immediate name change.. Remember im not from Toronto neither.

However, I really suggest going through therapy first...

Therapy is always necessary for hormones, that's what I'm aiming to get. But it seems like I keep running into psychiatrists that don't know anything about GID, though I was told they did, but confess they have no real experience. I ended up teaching them more about it that anything, but they refused to help me.

I'm not trying to give you a hard time, but there are a lot of issues I have with CAMH and it seems I still stand by them. Thank you for the heads up on Dr. John Goodhew, hopefully I wont be turned down. I apparently was turned down from a city that was only an hour away from where I am. Toronto is 4 hours from from.

[lpfix2009]

Im 9 hours away give or take from Toronto

[Lachlann]

Im 9 hours away give or take from Toronto

Excellent~, I shall give him a call or an e-mail then.