Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hello. I've been searching for a place in Michigan (southeast preferred) where one could obtain MTF HRT that operates on an informed consent model - that is, not requiring a therapist letter.

My inquiries have led me to Be Well Medical Center (Paul Benson, D.O.), but from the information that I have gathered it appears that they sometimes do and sometimes do not require a letter. Does anybody have any personal experience with them?

Other than that, perchance one of you fine fellows has a recommendation for an in-over-their-head rapscallion such as I? I am honestly unsure of where to go and know of no locations that are definitely informed consent. (Dr. Mark Sikorski is no longer available, from what I've gathered. Is this true?)

Finally... what is the process required to go through with actually asking?
One simply creates an appointment and asks the doctor if they offer HRT without a therapist letter?
Are there any special forms that one must fill, etc? If they deny you, what do you say? Do you just leave?
I am afraid that I am in over my head and have no idea what exactly to do.

Not sure about your clinic, but the one I started at required a letter, but the counselor there said she needed to see me twice. In reality, I saw her once and the second visit was to pick up the letter. I think it's their way of doing informed consent, but not appearing to.
Strange, but it worked.

Quote from: StevieC9 on July 05, 2016, 03:34:43 PM
Not sure about your clinic, but the one I started at required a letter, but the counselor there said she needed to see me twice. In reality, I saw her once and the second visit was to pick up the letter. I think it's their way of doing informed consent, but not appearing to.
Strange, but it worked.

Which clinic was this? Getting the letter there on the spot after two visits seems like a nice alternative to IC.

Quote from: Dovah on July 05, 2016, 09:25:22 PM
Which clinic was this? Getting the letter there on the spot after two visits seems like a nice alternative to IC.

Sorry, that was in Pennsylvania.
I was just thinking that if you asked to speak to a therapist on the assumption of informed consent, they might do that as well. Covers their butts, but moves you along.
That's basically what I did. I went to a clinic that offers all different assistance for the lgbt community. They offer testing, have doctors in once or twice a week, and also therapists. I asked to speak with a therapist because I wanted to start hrt.
She asked me a few questions as to why and what for and did I understand the consequences.
" ok, I have to see you one more time" I said sure, but when I came back for my visit, it ended up picking up the letter.
You clinic may offer a similar setup.
Ask for the counselor first. That seems to be the method.
Good luck, hope that helps.
Almost forgot.
Even though I received my letter, the doctor only prescribed spiro until I could get my blood pressure down. It took me about a year of waiting to start estrogen. So they won't just give it to you if either counselor or doctor think there is a problem

Dr. John Randolph out of Ann Arbor is also informed consent. He works in the UofM Health system and is directly related to the UofM Comprehensive Gender Services Program. Only problem is it takes 3 months to get an appointment. 

I go to Dr. Schmidt in Keego Harbor, she practices informed consent and has excellent bedside manner. Also I'm not sure if they are doing it right now due to the facilitator recently passing away but they have hormone consultations at Affirmations to get you connected to the resources you need , it's worth checking out . It helped me a great deal in finding a physician who met my health needs. Hope this is helpful.

Quote from: Moyshe313 on July 06, 2016, 05:55:18 AM
Dr. John Randolph out of Ann Arbor is also informed consent. He works in the UofM Health system and is directly related to the UofM Comprehensive Gender Services Program. Only problem is it takes 3 months to get an appointment.

+1 on Randolph
+1 on the 3 months to get an appointment.  Actually, it may be more.

Dovah,

I wanted to take a moment and welcome you to the site. I hope you find what info you are looking for here and maybe a chance to have some fun.

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Once again, welcome to Susan's. Look around, ask questions and join in.

With warmth,

Joanna

Quote from: Moyshe313 on July 06, 2016, 05:55:18 AM
Dr. John Randolph out of Ann Arbor is also informed consent. He works in the UofM Health system and is directly related to the UofM Comprehensive Gender Services Program. Only problem is it takes 3 months to get an appointment.

Michigan does have informed conscent?