Hello I was wondering for how long do you need to be on therapy in the US before starting HRT, and what about in Europe? Is it better here or there?

I can only say the Oklahoma State University Psychology Department requires a minimum 3 months and you have to present at least 30 days before an HRT letter is considered. Upon issuance of an HRT letter you have to continue Therapy while on HRT for a time to be decided on a case by case basis. This is just my experience and I agree with it totally. They want to make sure you have Gender Dysphoria, can socialize and live as your chosen gender and have support for the beginning of HRT. 

Informed consent is possible where therapy isn't required at all.

i really think its the therapist. i got my diagnoses a month after therapy but really the deciding factor was my solifying i need to transition or i wont survive more than a month, literally. some bend the rules depending on how badly you need to transition other's would ask for a psyche eval to be done and see that the damage is.

I'd check out the "center for psychosexual health" in Buffalo. Its off Bryant St. near Children's Hospital. They follow the WPATH standards of care.

Quote from: Spiritwlker on May 26, 2014, 10:54:46 PM
I'd check out the "center for psychosexual health" in Buffalo. Its off Bryant St. near Children's Hospital. They follow the WPATH standards of care.

Wait what does this mean? Sorry for the late repltD: whats wpath?

Quote from: Emily29 on July 25, 2014, 05:30:44 AM
Wait what does this mean? Sorry for the late repltD: whats wpath?

WPATH is the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.

They set out guidelines called the "Standards of Care" which set out professional understanding of the appropriate way to treat transgender patients.

According to the Standards of Care, there is NO requirement for therapy before HRT.

Of course many doctors don't follow the standards of care, so it's up to them.

FYI, standards of care are found here.

Quote from: suzifrommd on July 25, 2014, 08:06:30 AM
WPATH is the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.

They set out guidelines called the "Standards of Care" which set out professional understanding of the appropriate way to treat transgender patients.

According to the Standards of Care, there is NO requirement for therapy before HRT.

Of course many doctors don't follow the standards of care, so it's up to them.

FYI, standards of care are found here.

Actually, that's not quite true.. They do require an 'assessment'..

Informed consent does not need therapy, only real life experience of you living as your preferred gender for a year or more. As far as I know every other way requires some sort of therapy. My friend is MtF, she's been living as female for 4-5 years and she got on hormones within 2 weeks of finding an informed consent clinic, never been happier.

I can't live as my preferred gender yet and I wanted to be on HrT before being FT

Quote from: Emily29 on July 25, 2014, 04:46:37 PM
I can't live as my preferred gender yet and I wanted to be on HrT before being FT

I am curious as to why you cant live as your preferred gender yet? Family, job or financial reasons. Just curious, not judging in any way. I went full time before HRT and it worked well. If your avatar is you I see no problem with you going full time now. 

Quote from: Jessica Merriman on July 25, 2014, 05:12:39 PM
I am curious as to why you cant live as your preferred gender yet? Family, job or financial reasons. Just curious, not judging in any way. I went full time before HRT and it worked well. If your avatar is you I see no problem with you going full time now. 

It's Family and financial reasons, and yes is me (I'm a senior in high school but turning 18 very soon, and I wiil be kinda uncomfortable coming out to everyone there too, I just wanted to be on HRT and be FT in college)

Quote from: Emily29 on July 25, 2014, 05:26:49 PM
It's Family and financial reasons, and yes is me

Girl, you do not pass a male at all! I hope your situation improves and you can start this wonderful journey. You are going to do just fine sweetie! 

It is unfortunate but many of the so-called professionals do not know the latest and greatest guidelines and they continue digging deeper ruts for us to navigate - The first step is really to find a therapist that is familiar with trans issues - this doesn't mean they are current but it is a start - For me there are a few reasons why I can't go full time yet but I have started HRT - After a couple of sessions with the therapist I asked her about "the letter" and she turned me down saying there was a time requirement - Well the WPATH guidelines had changed and the new stipulation was an assessment without any specific time frame or session count - I confirmed that with several prominent trans counselors and therapists and educated my therapist - Voila - Next session I had my letter and she had a couple of endo recommendations for me - From start of therapy to start of HRT was 10 weeks (5 sessions)without the need for RLE - Of course different places do have different local laws so it is always best to check with local trans organizations and get their advice

be well and good luck

Quote from: Emily29 on July 25, 2014, 04:46:37 PM
I can't live as my preferred gender yet and I wanted to be on HrT before being FT

In that case, therapy varies for everyone depending on the person, the therapist, and the situtation. There is no set time you have to be in therapy. Any psychologist that goes by WPATH and says you have to be in therapy for a set amount of time needs to get themselves checked, as they most likely have an outdated version. I got my letter for HRT on my second session, aka in two weeks. I've heard of people who've gotten them after one, usually using one online session. It depends on your situation, how soon you want hormones, and how long you wish to be in therapy, ect. Also, keep in mind that a good therapist is very helpful even after getting on hormones. I originally just did it to get an HRT letter, but since my therapist helped me through a lot.