My GT pretty much said she was going to have to have 7-8 more sessions with me before she would consider writing me a referral for HRT. That would bring the grand total to 10 sessions at $120 each, out of pocket. Ummm....NO. My first session I pretty much told her how serious I was about this and I'm fine in other departments, I just need to get started. So whats the hold up? I have a pretty good feeling shes just trying to get every little bit of money out of me possible. Has this happened to anybody else? Is this normal to go through this many sessions?
That number sounds quite a lot like it used to be way back.
Have you asked her why the insistence on lots of meetings?
That seems like a lot. I only had 4 sessions before I got my letter.
The Standards of Care create a general guideline of 3 months of therapy. Averaged out as once per week, that works out to about 12 sessions. 10 sessions sounds within the realm of reasonableness.
I know people's mileage may vary on following the Standards of Care, gate-keeping, informed consent or the usefulness of therapy. I'm not addressing that because that's not what the OP is asking.
To answer the question: A therapist who is trying to follow the SOC may ask for something similar to what you're suggesting. It doesn't sound like just an effort to get more money out of you, though with any professional, one never knows. If you want to keep using this therapist, she may be ok with you having several fewer sessions, if you spread them out more over time (e.g., seeing you every other week for the three months). That doesn't solve your timing issue if you want Hrt now; but it could save you some money. If you want to get Hrt sooner, then you'd prob need a different therapist or to go the informed consent route.
Quote from: lilacwoman on January 08, 2011, 04:13:04 PM
That number sounds quite a lot like it used to be way back.
Have you asked her why the insistence on lots of meetings?
She pretty much beat around the bush and said she follows the "code." Well I've already proved to her on my FIRST session I know what HRT can and can't do. I also pretty much convinced her I've had more than enough RLE. I mean...really, how much more can she ask me on these sessions? "Are you a woman?" "Are you REALLY a woman?" "ARE YOU REALLY REALLY A WOMAN?" That's all I can see her asking since I made it pretty clear the first session why I was there. ???
@Sean
Yeah, she stated she follows the standards. I just think 10 sessions is too much, maybe 4 at most...but eh, whatever. Waiting is killing me...