How'd you feel your first psychologist app?

[LordKAT]

Insurance companies geared to income levels? Weird. BC/BS is what I had when I made good money as well as now that I have none.

[Quicksand]

Good point.  I guess what I meant is that I have open-access, which means I get a lot of services i don't want or need, and none of the ones I do, whereas a lot of the low-income individuals that frequent the center where I get therapy have more accessible insurance, or worse, none at all.

[AndrewMarten]

I've had a general aversion to therapists and therapy myself for quite some time. I was forced into therapy in middle school, and twice again in HS, because the teachers and counselors made my mother take me - this was all before I connected any of my personal issues to being transgender. The first two times I lied through my teeth to tell the therapist what she wanted to hear so I wouldn't have to go back. I hated being a burden on my folks, and my mom did nothing but complain about having to take me to the sessions. Then, the second time I got sent in HS, I actually started to open up to the therapist, but then my father decided I was "all better" and I didn't need to see the therapist so frequently, and when it came time for my next appointment, a big snow-storm hit and my mom decided she wouldn't take me, and my folks decided I didn't need to reschedule.
Then, I ended up in therapy again a little over a year ago, because I had a nervous break-down and was having constant anxiety/panic attacks. I decided that I wanted to discuss my gender issues, because I was aware of them this time, but the therapist that I could afford to see said she didn't have much experience and just gave me a list of some outside resources (that I couldn't get to anyway).
Now I'm away at a new school, and there is a counseling service provided for free to all the students. I was intent on steering clear of the counseling services, but I ended up having a couple of panic attacks again, and my insomnia got really bad one weekend (I went 86 hours without being able to sleep) so I went to the clinic for sleep aids, and the doctor said I also needed to talk to a counselor to deal with the cause of my insomnia and anxiety. So, once again, I was kinda pushed into it, but it's turned out to be for the best, because I finally have someone to talk to about TG issues, and it has given me the courage to start moving forward.

So... I guess my point is that I always have a lot of difficulty with therapy/counseling - I've always been a nervous wreck the first appointment - but it is worth it to keep trying and keep moving forward.

That's my experience with therapy/counseling thus far.

[Radar]

Is it true that in insurances that cover the therapy, T (or in mtf cases, E) and such....that they classify it under some kind of mental disorder?  I want to look up my insurance and see if it can cover it...

I'm not sure what my psychologist labels it to the insurance company but they cover it. My endo I pay out of pocket because he doesn't take insurance and is the only one in the area who will prescribe T. For my blood tests and T my endo puts it down as hypogonadism. I could care less what it's labeled as long as insurance keeps covering it.

As for how far I have to travel I live in a big city so they're all here.

[NightKoi]

Wow...all that driving sounds intense. I just don't have lots of money to spare when I drop 40 G out of my trust fund each year for school. 

But I'll have to look into my insurance, talk to my psychologist (eventually when I find one)
For now, I'll be following Andrew in the fact I'll attend free counselor appointments until I have some more money saved. That'll give me time to look for just the right psychologist.

I have heard so many different lengths of time it's taken for us to get on T. What do you think is the average time? Some guys just get to walk in and next month, poof, they get T. And then other men...it takes them 2 years!

[LordKAT]

Time kinda depends on where you are and if you go private or not.

[Radar]

I have heard so many different lengths of time it's taken for us to get on T. What do you think is the average time? Some guys just get to walk in and next month, poof, they get T. And then other men...it takes them 2 years!

I think the average is 3 months in the U.S. I got permission to start T from my psychologist in a little over a month, but it took awhile to find an endo who would prescribe it.

[NightKoi]

Time kinda depends on where you are and if you go private or not.

What do you mean by private? I guess I'm just clueless in this area. Are there psychologists who aren't private? And why does it make a difference?

@Radar: Are endos who prescribe it that rare?  I probably have no chance in my location then

[tekla]

Are there psychologists who aren't private? And why does it make a difference?

A lot of people here are from places (Canada, England, others) that have national health care, so there are lots of Drs. who are in state employment - as part of that system - and others who are 'private' and who's costs are not covered as is the state system.

[Radar]

Are endos who prescribe it that rare?  I probably have no chance in my location then

In my area the majority of doctors (all fields) are affiliated with one of two medical system companies. Evidently these two systems have a policy to not prescribe T or E to transgendered people.

So, since my insurance didn't cover any independent endos I had to do research to find one who will prescribe T and monitor the patient. After recommendations I found one where I live. He's evidently the only endo in the area who will do HRT and monitor trans patients. So, since trans people around here pretty much have to go to him he's well known in the circle. At least he has alot of experience with transgender patients.

He is a really good doctor, treats his patients with respect and even though I pay out of pocket for my appointments my insurance does cover my T and blood work.

[NightKoi]

Are there psychologists who aren't private? And why does it make a difference?

A lot of people here are from places (Canada, England, others) that have national health care, so there are lots of Drs. who are in state employment - as part of that system - and others who are 'private' and who's costs are not covered as is the state system.

Ah, I should have known that. I didn't think of the broader picture....I forgot that Susan's is open to the entire world and not just the U.S.  oops.

@Radar: That's some serious discrimination there. I hope I get lucky like you when looking for an endo.  He sounds like an awesome guy. I'm happy for you...and at least your insurance covers the T and blood work.

[s1ncere]

My first appointment with my therapist was chilled. We connected well and I felt comfortable with her.
She is also involve in the LBGT community,which I thought was really coo.
We talked about the overall things briefly...such as....my life,family,experience......etc.


Hope everything goes well for ya.
It is important to feel comfortable and have a good connection with your therapist.There are mean therapist out there. Find another if it doesn't work out with this one. You need someone who is going to help you through your transition and direct you to the right direction.

[GnomeKid]

My parents sent me to a child psychologist about this stuff when I was in elementary school [to be helpful, not to "fix" me]  I hated it then, and I hate it now. 

I'm like you. The only reason I went to therapy was because I knew it was necessary for transitioning.  The instant I could stop going to my therapist I did.  Which was basically after I got my top surgery letter.  I'm now on T [I guess when you've already had surgery they care a little less about getting a specific letter for T] and don't plan on going back to therapy for a long while if at all ever.  I think it can be very helpful for a lot of people, but unfortunately for me therapy just always seems forced, cold, and uncomfortable.  Its just not something I personally can get into, or at least I have yet to discover the key to getting into it.

The psychologist I went to for my gender therapy [and consequently surgery letter] was specifically a gender therapist, so there was no bad connections on that level, and overall I have to say the experience wasn't as painful as it could have been.  Nor was it really very emotionally productive, but that was all due to my own issues with therapy [perhaps I should see a therapist about that eh?]  The first session was really easy though, as she just asked me questions the whole time and I didn't have to dig within myself to come up with things or issues to talk about.
My best advice to you overall would be to not be afraid of being honest, or really not to be afraid of anything while you're in there... its what I always told myself I was going to do before walking in the door.... and sometimes it even worked a little. 

[Alexmakenoise]

Are endos who prescribe it that rare?  I probably have no chance in my location then

You've also mentioned being in school (I assume college?).

If you are or become involved with your school's lgbt organization, they might be able to point you in the right direction.  If your school doesn't have one, start one.  I did that at one of the 2 schools where I did my undergrad work.  It was A LOT easier than it sounds, and I met a lot of great people.

I'm in a small city that seems like it wouldn't have good lgbt resources, but I have a degree from a large university here and am about to do further course-work.  I plan to start with the school's lgbt group(s) in order to find a good therapist and endo.  I don't expect to necessarily meet anyone at my school who has the exact info I'm looking for, but I know I'll meet people who will know of other resources in the area, and those people or organizations will be able to put me in touch with other people and organizations.  I figure the more people I talk to and the more resources I know of the better, even if I find a good therapist and / or endo sooner than expected.

The point is that, no matter where you are, college / university lgbt organizations tend to be a good starting place when you are in search of information, or anything lgbt-related.

[NightKoi]

Sorry for the late reply to all of you. My laptop died and I lost access to the internet for a while.

@s1ncere: Thanks for the advice. It's hard for me to connect to people to become friends with them, let alone open up to a stranger who could possibly be hostile towards the lifestyle I lead. I'll let you know how it goes

@Gnome: Wow, we do sound similar. I want the top surgery before T, but I didn't realize that you have to have a letter for that part too. The process is so complicated...
This may be an odd question, but do you perchance like lawn gnomes? (I'm asking because of your username) lol. I'm just curious.

@Alex:
Yes, I'm in college and we have a Gay-Straight Alliance on campus. We are working on a collection of coming out stories that we're going to put into a book for incoming students to read. I plan on using that as my way of coming out to all of them as a transsexual. Our group is small and quite unconnected with the surrounding LGBT community unfortunately. But we are working on expanding. I doubt they know anything about endos and such, but I could try.

[Alexie]

Gee, I'm glad I read this thread.
I'm building up the courage to see a therapist and it's good to se my concerns are perfectly normal.

[NightKoi]

Gee, I'm glad I read this thread.
I'm building up the courage to see a therapist and it's good to se my concerns are perfectly normal.

I'm happy this thread helped. I'm also relieved to know that I'm not the only person out there panicked about having to spill my guts to a stranger. I hope things go well for you

[TheOtherSide]

How long did it take before  a therapist called you guys back to schedule an appointment?

[k_tech]

i'll post how i will be feeling tomorrow evening, as i have my first appointment tomorrow after work.
she charges $75 (uninsured) and has experience with the trans community. so far i feel comfortable. i've seen counselors before so this isn't a brand new thing with me, it's just been several years.

[Alexie]

How long did it take before  a therapist called you guys back to schedule an appointment?

In my case, it took about two weeks. Which at the time seemed like an eternity because once I had made my mind up I wanted to go then and there. I thought I was going to go nuts until I first saw the counsellor. Now looking back I realized I reached the point of climax that I had to tell all to someone... anyone who'd listen and not judge.

I'm so glad I did 

Alexie
Post Merge: January 19, 2010, 10:01:30 PM

i'll post how i will be feeling tomorrow evening, as i have my first appointment tomorrow after work.
she charges $75 (uninsured) and has experience with the trans community. so far i feel comfortable. i've seen counselors before so this isn't a brand new thing with me, it's just been several years.

Gee, mine just cost $120, also uninsured! Ouch!!
I live in Australia though, but our dollar has almost reached parity with the USD anyway.