How to start T and talk to a doctor?

[kalshady]

Im 19, at college, and known as male on campus by mostly everyone. A select few know that Im trans (including Student Affairs which is like my new home basically, my support group). I see the free school therapist/psych about once or twice a week. Would she be able to write me a letter/referral and could this be taken to a regular doctor like my family doctor (that mostly knows about me) or does it have to be a certain type of doctor?

[kalshady]

Thanks C.J.! I guess I'll see what I can do

[xAndrewx]

My doctor who started me on T is a family practice doctor so they can but it depends on if they are comfortable with doing so. Many family and general practice doctors I called before that one said no so it wouldn't hurt to ask but be prepared that they might say no.

As for the letter I think it has to be from a certified psychologist or psychiatrist and cannot be from just a basic therapist in most cases. So if your therapist is a psychologist it should be fine. Like C.J. said though sometimes it just depends on what the doctor wants, he might accept one from your therapist. Also some doctors do informed consent so keep that in mind if the therapist letter won't work it might be something worth looking into. Good luck

[kalshady]

Thanks for the info Andrew! Im pretty sure my college therapist is a psych but Im really not sure if my family doc would go for it or not. I think its kinda 50-50 wit him so i guess all i can do is ask. i am always prepared for a no, but no harm in askin. thanks again man!

[Liam K]

The person who wrote my letter is a counselor at my college's counseling center.  And my doctor is technically a family practice doctor, though she sees a ton of trans people.  The best way to go, though, is to find yourself a doctor who will prescribe T, whether that's your family doctor or not, and ask that doctor what he or she requires.  Some doctors don't require a letter at all, some may have very specific specifications, and many will be somewhere in the middle.   

[Tad]

If in doubt, just ask your doctor what he needs. different doctors vary. It's what I did.. came out to him, he took a while to find out what he needed before he could prescribe hrt.. i did those things, got the stamps of approval.. that was that. No big deal.

[BrandonJames]

I compleatly caught my dr. off gard when i asked. turned out i was his first ftm. hes pretty cool about it all and told me to see the pysh. people and let him know where to go from there said he would help me with anything i needed. I just havent made the jump yet cause of funds. its always too much fun for me to go in and see him tho. he looks like a soap opra version of a doc. its funny as hell for me. i keep expecting him to grab his assistant and tell her that he has fallen in love with her and is leaving his wife....... oh well.

[kalshady]

Haha thanks for all your answers guys!