Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transgender talk => Topic started by: Krystal on May 15, 2008, 02:14:47 PM

Title: Questions about therapist credentials
Post by: Krystal on May 15, 2008, 02:14:47 PM
I am currently looking for a therapist in my area that specializes in TG folks. I have found two that  are within a hours drive ;). I prefer  ones approach much more than the other but their credentials are very different and I am a bit confused. The one I like list her credentials as " MSN, CS, RN" and the other list her's as Ph.D.. The first seems to be a "Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist" and the second a "clinical Psychologist". What I am wondering is what would be the difference in seeing one over the other and are they the same when needing letters later on in transition for HRT or SRS. While thats still a ways away I have limited funds so I need to plan for the future the best I can. Any input on this would be a help.  ???
Thanks
Krystal
Title: Re: Questions about therapist credentials
Post by: Kate on May 15, 2008, 02:25:30 PM
The requirement I normally hear for SRS is...

"If the first letter is from a person with a master's degree, the second letter should be from a psychiatrist or a Ph.D. clinical psychologist..."

So your main therapist doesn't have to be a psychiatrist or psychologist, you just need one of them to provide a *second* evaluation later if you pursue SRS. Well... most surgeons do anyway if they follow the Standards Of Care.

~Kate~
Title: Re: Questions about therapist credentials
Post by: Krystal on May 16, 2008, 05:07:16 PM
Thank you so much Kate.
I was not sure exactly what the  credentials needed to be for the "letter".
I  very good about things right now like I am finally moving forward with my life. I going to contact her office first thing Monday  :)