Therapists?

[NightWing]

I've pretty much had enough of my depression and anxiety.  I want to see a gender therapist.  I live in the awesome state of Wyoming, so there aren't any here at all (and going to a near-by state is impossible as I don't have a car). 

I've looked online, and I can't seem to find any online therapists apart from http://www.gendertherapist.com/  but I'm spooky.  Why is it I can't find any others except this guy?  Has anybody used him?  Does anybody know of others? 

[meh]

http://www.brandnewdaycounseling.com/ (cheaper and doesn't charge you for T letter).

[Bahzi]

http://www.lauras-playground.com/gender_therapists.htm

The top part of that page lists some online gender therapists.  I've been talking with Melissa Leonhardt, and she's very nice and understanding, plus affordable.  There's been some scheduling problems (and I've been told she's rescheduled a lot with another client too), but I like her and will continue talking to her even though I'm going the informed consent route for HRT.

[NightWing]

Thanks for the links guys 

I'm going the informed consent route for HRT.

I have considered going that route, but I imagine doctors who will do that are hard to find (around here anyway) and I thought being actually diagnosed with GID increase your chances of having insurance cover hormones?

[Bahzi]

Thanks for the links guys 

I have considered going that route, but I imagine doctors who will do that are hard to find (around here anyway) and I thought being actually diagnosed with GID increase your chances of having insurance cover hormones?

I think it'd depend on your insurance.  My plan has no coverage for GID and almost none for therapy/mental health conditions unless they're temporary (PTSD, Postpartum depression).  I've more luck getting hormones/blood work being paid for with no psych/medical diagnosis, they don't tend to look too hard at my claims.  On my plan, A blood panel run by a general practitioner will almost certainly be covered, whereas one run by a specialist like an endocrinologist will warrant a lot more scrutiny.  Also, T is pretty damn cheap through certain pharmacies even without insurance, compared to lots of therapy anyways.

Additionally, I'm pretty sure only a psychiatrist or psychologist; doctors, can give that diagnosis, which many online counselors aren't.  Many trans-friendly therapists don't agree with the inclusion of GID in the DSM, and therefore wouldn't give the diagnosis even if they've the credentials.  A MTF friend of mine ran into that with her psychologist.

I'm talking to a therapist anyways as she's helping me with coming out at work and with family, and because I'll probably need a letter for top surgery later this year anyways.  If online therapy wasn't available though, I'd probably skip it though.

[NightWing]

I think it'd depend on your insurance.  My plan has no coverage for GID and almost none for therapy/mental health conditions unless they're temporary (PTSD, Postpartum depression).  I've more luck getting hormones/blood work being paid for with no psych/medical diagnosis, they don't tend to look too hard at my claims.  On my plan, A blood panel run by a general practitioner will almost certainly be covered, whereas one run by a specialist like an endocrinologist will warrant a lot more scrutiny.  Also, T is pretty damn cheap through certain pharmacies even without insurance, compared to lots of therapy anyways.

Additionally, I'm pretty sure only a psychiatrist or psychologist; doctors, can give that diagnosis, which many online counselors aren't.  Many trans-friendly therapists don't agree with the inclusion of GID in the DSM, and therefore wouldn't give the diagnosis even if they've the credentials.  A MTF friend of mine ran into that with her psychologist.

I'm talking to a therapist anyways as she's helping me with coming out at work and with family, and because I'll probably need a letter for top surgery later this year anyways.  If online therapy wasn't available though, I'd probably skip it though.

Hmmm, I haven't even check my insurance yet.  HRT seemed so impossible and far away.  It's Health Insurance that does all that, right? 

But you do need some kind of letter or something for top surgery?  I see.  That's even further away since it's so expensive :p.  Well, unless insurance covers it that is.  This is gonna be an awkward future talk with my insurance company.

[wheat thins are delicious]

I think that it is often easier to get insurance companies to cover GID related thing if you are legally identified as male.  I'm not very sure on all the specifics. 

[meh]

My insurance covers hormones and genital surgery. You don't necessarily need a letter for top surgery, it depends on the surgeon. But you will need two separate letters for bottom.

I asked them if I even needed a letter or to do anything special to get coverage and they said there weren't any requirements. Just either go informed consent or go the therapist route and you're set. But it's all up to your insurance. There's usually a website for your insurance you can log into to look at your benefits and see whats covered and what's not. That's how I found out that GRS/HRT was covered with mine. I also called them to inquire about top surgery, which turns out is considered cosmetic so they don't cover it, and they had no freaking clue.

[Devin87]

I had no idea there were online therapists.  I might have to look into that since I live in the middle of the desert right now.  About how many sessions do you need to have with the online therapist before she'll write you a letter?  How often do they usually want to meet with you (I'm trying to get an idea of how much I'll be spending)?

[EthanD]

I had no idea there were online therapists.  I might have to look into that since I live in the middle of the desert right now.  About how many sessions do you need to have with the online therapist before she'll write you a letter?  How often do they usually want to meet with you (I'm trying to get an idea of how much I'll be spending)?

I think everyone has their own timeline but I can speak to my own experience. I have been doing sessions with Melissa Leonhardt because I am in a very rural area with no access to gender therapists. I am also uninsured so the financial aspect was a concern for me as well. She charges $35 a session and has been great. You can choose weekly, bi-weekly or monthly sessions with her. She is as flexible as she can be with scheduling. For instance I was every two weeks and decided to go weekly so she figured out how to work me in around her other clients. My guess (this is one of those your results my vary things..) is that you will do between 4 and 6 sessions with her before she will make an assessment. She doesn't charge for letters as people have said above so I think you are looking at roughly a 140-210 dollar commitment if you go with her. Good luck!

[meh]

I had 4 sessions with Melissa over a 3 month time span. So for me it was $140 total. You get to choose how often to have sessions with her.

[padfoots666]

Graham Peveller is good. 12 sessions for the T letter. He adjusts his rate depending on your financial situation.

[NightWing]

Thanks for the continual suggestions 

After I check with my insurance to see if I'm covered for HRT and such (to see if just skipping therapy would be better), then I'll make a decision and start ASAP.