I'm pretty much in the same situation as you, I live in Toronto and I'm working on getting hormone treatment.
First of all, any MD can prescribe hormones and there is no rule that says they need to consult anyone but it's considered good practise.
CAMH was the first institute to work with the transgender community and prescribe hormones, they are very busy and have a 1-2 year waitlist, they are also the only place in Ontario that can make a referral to get bottom surgery that's covered by OHIP. Today CAMH prefers that the task of prescribing hormones be done by GPs but they provide a guideline document with info on what they recommend, includes a diagnoses of Gender Dysphoria from a professional mental health worker. The second most prominent institude is the Sherbrook clinic, they are actually just a regular clinic but due to their location in the Toronto Village they have become somewhat of experts in the field. They also provide a guideline document where they encourage GPs to prescribe hormones, their guidelines are also more relaxed than CAMH which is a bit draconian.
http://www.camh.ca/en/hospital/care_program_and_services/hospital_services/Pages/Open-Letter-to-Family-Doctors-regarding-Hormone-Therapy.aspxhttp://sherbourne.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Guidelines-and-Protocols-for-Comprehensive-Primary-Care-for-Trans-Clients.pdfTo sum up, the only reason to go to CAMH is to get OHIP paid bottom surgery, the Sherbourne clinic is great but the waiting lists are long and they only service their area/community.
So find a friendly GP, get a referral to a psychiatrist (note that psychiatrist are MDs and as such are covered by OHIP, psychologist are not MDs and therefore charge about $150 per hour), get a diagnoses, a prescription and enjoy.
If you are young (under 20) and in the GTA I have heard that Dr. Solomon Shapiro, M.D. is an excellent psychiatrist and has experience with transgender treatment.
Dr. Solomon Shapiro, M.D
sshapiro@hincks-dellcrest.org
(416) 924-1164, x6069
Address: Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Gender & Sexual Orientation Service
Hincks-Dellcrest Centre
114 Maitland Street
Toronto, ON
M4Y 1E1 Canada
Quote from: Piffle on March 30, 2014, 10:54:15 PM
Hello world!
First off excuse me if I'm posting in the wrong place first time posting in a forum... ever!
So it's been almost 2 years since I have decided to transition and finally after being rushed out of the clinic countless times for mentioning gender dysphoria, I finally found a GP who gave me a referral to see a gender therapist to give me approval to transition or not. Now to see this therapist so I can transition their is a waiting list that is upwards of 18 months long. 2 years trying to get a referral than another 2 to the appointment date and another year of therapy to judge me is a long time! needless to say I had started self medication "Gasp!" calm down I am having my blood monitored. which leads to a question! My Doctor is vary supportive and is willing to assist me in transitioning and this is where I get confused. From what I understand I must be diagnosed with gender dysphoria by one of the 2 government appointed gender therapist in Canada before I can legally be prescribed any medication for the diagnoses. So can he help me? or will I possibly getting someone is trouble if I accept this help? I currently see a therapist who has seen a number of people both MTF and FTM through transitioning, but she as well has limited information on how the this all works.
That being said any information anyone has will be extremely helpful. Ive looked online every time I think I know how this works I find something that contradicts what Ive been told.
Thank you!
