So, I explained my situation about being trans and all that to my dad. I told him I had been seeing an online therapist and how I got my letter to start hormones.
He's really distrustful of online doctors/therapists and wants me to see one irl. I've been told from multiple sources that my therapist, Melissa Leonhardt, is legit and everything. I do have the letter from her and I've shown it to him. I really don't want to go through several more months of therapy. If I found a therapist irl, could I just get another letter/have Leonhardt verified as being legit through 1 or 2 meetings? I wouldn't have to go through all those months again, right?
Also: my dad wants me to see a psychiatrist first, just to rule out any issues. I really don't see the need to. I'm fine besides seasonal depression and general gender issues. But how do I go about that? If I go to one, how do I explain what I'm there for? What if they misunderstand and end up having me doing all these tests that don't help at all? I could just tell them I"m straight up trans, but would they help any?
The big difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist, is that the latter can prescribe drugs. If you're opposed to using drugs for any issues you might be having, perhaps try telling your dad that and see if you can't agree on a psychologist. Some will be by the book and make you do three months of therapy. Both of mine have been willing to write a letter after the first meeting.
In my life, I'd want to continue on with a therapist after starting T, but I've been through a lot, personally, in the past year or two. You should be able to say you're trans to any therapist and they'd understand. You might want to check your insurance though, some won't cover a GID diagnosis, if that's the case, convince the therapist to file under Adjustment Disorder or Evaluation code.
Can a psychiatrist put you on hormones since they directly deal with medicine?
You have to get bloodwork and have levels managed, so I don't think they could. Not sure though.
I'd tell dad to stuff it, and I can start hormones if I want to and have a letter. It's not his life.
If you're over 18, that is.
Well if your father is willing to pay for it, seeing transition is going involve a certain amount of stress, I'd find the best psychiatrist dealing in Gender issues you can. Seeing as GID is essentially self-diagnosed, and you are heading for transition, your father will not be able to argue with the experts when they agree with your diagnosis.
Just my 2 bob's worth. Karen.
Yeah. I'm going to try to see if the psychiatrist can write me a letter/prescribe hormones/something. I just don't want this to turn ugly. I'm sick of waiting to transition.