Hello everyone,
This is my first post on this forum. I live in an area where finding a Gender Therapist isn't too hard, but it is very expensive. I do have medical insurance but from my research, no one accepts it in my area. How long would I typically be taking Gender Therapy (once per week, twice per week or once per month). I have seen in my area that Gender Therapy goes for about $150-$200 per session. That's a lot of money. I have moved back home and have saved up some money to put towards therapy but just a little worries about how many sessions is necessary until: 1. diagnosis and 2. HRT/ and 3. Top Surgery Letter. Specifics is not needed, just what everyone on here experienced.
Thank You
In my personal experience, I only had 3 sessions before I got my letter of reccomendation for top surgery. I went the online route. My costs were $160 per session and during the first two times, I met every three months, and I had my final session last week to get my letter. When I'm ready to take T, all I have to do is tell my therapist and she will adjust some of the words in my top surgery letter to make it suitable as a T letter. The first two times I did my sessions, I paid using money from my financial aid. One the third session, I saved money from my job and paid it off with that.
It really depends on the therapist on how long you must see them though. Also figure out if you really want the therapy and many sessions, or if you just need the letters. Depending on what you are looking for, that should help the GT determine how to work with you on that.
I went online and my therapy sessions were $80 for one hour a week. I had my recommendations for HRT within three months. She included in the same letter a recommendation for surgery when I could afford it. We met via Skype (there were no therapists anywhere near me) and she was one of the easiest people I have ever talked with.
I couldn't afford typical gender therapy. Most people I found who listed themselves as offering that didn't accept my insurance. What I finally did was carefully read wpath guidelines and approach a regular therapist with certain requests about gender counseling. I was upfront about all of it, and my therapist was super supportive until I was more firm in asking for a hormone letter (after we had a number of sessions and had discussed my needs and intentions extensively). She tried to tell me that her agency wouldn't allow her to write one, and when I argued with that she had some other excuses that were even flimsier, and she eventually gave me a letter. From what I understand, a lot of people deal with that nonsense even with official gender therapy, but it's worth looking out for.
A lot of people get their therapy and letters for various things online, and that can be a cheaper route.
I got a top surgery letter for $280 online. All I had to do was tell my life story.
There's a LGBT community health center in NYC that my friend referred me to when I was out looking for a gender therapist, which makes the process less hassling in getting HRT and counseling. Despite some of these gender therapists I've found being transgender themselves, they're expensive as hell and one asked for $375 for an initial appointment and $200 per session afterwards. If it wasn't for my friend already on T injections for a year at Callen-Lorde, this process would've taken a year or two before acquiring hormones since I'm unemployed.
I've been in therapy for an anxiety disorder for...*counts on fingers*...four years now, and my newest and most awesome therapist is the one who has finally understood that my gender dysphoria is having a major effect on my mental health. Well, that, and my psychotic family's rubbish hasn't helped...
I've been paying $65 USD a session with my current therapist, who is LGBT friendly, not to mention amazing. I just recently asked her for a letter that I can take to my doctor in a couple weeks, to facilitate and possibly expedite my medical transitioning. She agreed straight away! What's more, I received an email from a gender awareness group here in Atlanta, with a PDF that explains what Medicare will now cover since the GRS ban has been lifted. So I might finally be able to afford to be myself soon. Hooray!
So, yeah, I guess it depends on where you live, your state's/province's/country's laws, what your doctor asks for, etc. Good luck to you!
I personally went through the Psychology Department at Oklahoma State University. It is only $10.00 a session and you do not have to be a student. Check your local College or University to see if they have this program. :)
Thank you to everyone for your feedback. I finally hit the jack pot and found a list of gender therapist in my area. I've started contacting them to see who is currently accepting new clients. It's my first step. I've finally feel like I am ready to change my life around for the better.