Lyon Martin Clinic in San Francisco?

[MeowMeansMeow]

My therapist tells me that there aren't really any transgender-specific practitioners around here, and she's advising me to perhaps look at the Lyon Martin Clinic down in San Francisco as being the closest option (about 5 hours south). This is with respect to getting proper care should I choose to start hormone therapy. Does anybody have experience with this clinic? I know I can contact them directly, and I will, I'm just looking for any tips, recommendations, warnings, experiences etc.

Thanks!

Meow

[tekla]

Anne Vitale, Ph.D. Dr. Vitale is a Licensed Psychologist specializing in gender related issues. Her office is located at 610 D Street, San Rafael CA 94901, (415) 456-4452.

I know a lot of people who used her and love her, but she might be expensive and I'm not sure about a sliding scale.

[MeowMeansMeow]

Thanks Tekla, my therapist here in Eureka is a fully licensed psychologist and also specializes in transgender. I'm happy with her so far. What's missing apparently up here is transgender-savvy doctors, which is why she is recommending the Lyon Martin clinic. I'm looking for tips, experiences etc specifically related to that clinic.

Thanks again,

Meow

[tekla]

I've never been there, is a low-income focused deal for the most part, but its also an informed consent clinic, so quite a few people get their hormones there.  If that's what you are interested in, they should be of assistance, and they do have a sliding scale.

http://www.lyon-martin.org/transgender.php

[Naturally Blonde]

What do they do at the Lyon Martin Clinic apart from HRT prescriptions?

[MeowMeansMeow]

I would assume that the doctors there are able to put together a reasonable regime that makes sense for your needs and body physiology. I'd also like to think that they are more tuned than the average GP to knowing what the risks and benefits are with the different types of hormone, what tests need to be done before and during therapy to minimize chances of serious health risks, monitoring progress, and adjusting the regimen as necessary to achieve the desired results... I'm not just after a prescription, I want to be fairly confident that I'm not going to be screwing myself.

Also, them being oriented toward lower income people is a good thing - I'm not exactly flush with cash at the moment.

Meow

[tekla]

Because of widespread discrimination and misunderstanding, transgender people often avoid healthcare. At Lyon-Martin, we have created a trans-affirmative environment that encourages patients to develop an ongoing relationship with one of our transgender specialists that goes beyond just getting hormones and looks at all of their health and wellness needs.

Services include:

    * General primary care
    * Trans-affirmative gynecologic care
    * Referrals for trans-sensitive mammography
    * Hormone therapy for gender transition
    * HIV and STD testing, diagnosis and treatment
    * Laboratory monitoring
    * Mental health counseling

[MeowMeansMeow]

Thanks again, but my request wasn't for information about what they do, it was for anybody with actual experience dealing with them.

[Naturally Blonde]

I would assume that the doctors there are able to put together a reasonable regime that makes sense for your needs and body physiology. I'd also like to think that they are more tuned than the average GP to knowing what the risks and benefits are with the different types of hormone, what tests need to be done before and during therapy to minimize chances of serious health risks, monitoring progress, and adjusting the regimen as necessary to achieve the desired results... I'm not just after a prescription, I want to be fairly confident that I'm not going to be screwing myself.

Also, them being oriented toward lower income people is a good thing - I'm not exactly flush with cash at the moment.

Meow

My interpretation of a gender Clinic would be some form of transitional treatment programme agenda and timescale. This would include medication, various surgeries and nessesary monitoring. So far I don't believe anything like this actually exists in either the U.K or U.S.A.

[Dawn D.]

Hi Meow,

I have not been there or dealt with their clinic, however, I know of several girls from here locally that have. They have nothing but praise for their care and services. Those who utilize their services are generally seeing them for HRT monitoring.

Several of us are currently working with Lyon-Martin as well as Transgender Law Center at this time to establish a local council for policy in transgender care here in Humboldt County. It is hopeful that the council will be seated by mid January. So, to me it is obvious that Lyon-Martin is a very caring organization when it comes to transgender care.


Dawn

[MeowMeansMeow]

Thanks, Dawn! That's very reassuring. I have an appointment with them later this month. It's just preliminary, since we're going to be in San Francisco anyway, so I thought I might as well establish contact. Good to know they are known and respected.

Happy new year,

Meow

[Naturally Blonde]

Hi Meow,

I have not been there or dealt with their clinic, however, I know of several girls from here locally that have. They have nothing but praise for their care and services. Those who utilize their services are generally seeing them for HRT monitoring.

Several of us are currently working with Lyon-Martin as well as Transgender Law Center at this time to establish a local council for policy in transgender care here in Humboldt County. It is hopeful that the council will be seated by mid January. So, to me it is obvious that Lyon-Martin is a very caring organization when it comes to transgender care.


Dawn

HRT Monitoring? I don't get that so I have to chase up my GP after six months and ask for a blood and lipid tests.