I spent an hour or so today researching trans-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in North Dakota and go figure it's slim pickings. Nobody available within a 5hr drive but I'm getting to the point I need to do something and progress forward so when I'm out of the military it's not such a culture shock on both myself and family and work.

Anybody heard of Dr. Stacey Benson? She's who I emailed today for an over the phone consultation. Anything I have to be careful about or I should know before I talk to her?

I truly wish you can find a compatible therapist that you can work with. I am currently seeing a really good therapist and we just had our second session and it does make a HUGE difference.
You can also check if there's any support groups in your area.

Goodluck babe,

April

Yeah I'm not surprised at the lack of therapists for this considering this is a hardcore Republican Catholic driven state.

You can call any local LGBT community centers and ask them for references.

Quote from: Tori on January 15, 2015, 11:13:31 PM
You can call any local LGBT community centers and ask them for references.

Those exist here? Average population of a town in this state is 500 people or less. By definition actually we only have two "cities." I'll have to do some research on that.

My town of 30k has one... I am next door to your state, to the West. Similar climate and population...

If you are considering a five hour drive I figure the nearest LGBT center might have some info that would possibly reduce your travels.

Also, depending on your commitment to transition, it is probably helpful to tell potential therapists you are trans* during your phone consultation. They may know someone even better at it, or closer to you, than they are.

IME, therapists who are not, "Experts" in our issues can still be very good. Therapists tend to deal with similar types of people and stories every day. We can stand out and make their day more interesting. That can inspire them to do better than average work.

Oh, while I am brainstorming, almost any college or university will have a LGBT center you can contact.

You are in the tougher Dakota for resources but there are still options out there.

Some therapist do video chats, but still want you to go in person every now and then.

Quote from: silentone on January 16, 2015, 12:05:06 AM
Some therapist do video chats, but still want you to go in person every now and then.

That's definitely one thing I intend to discuss.

Quote from: Tori on January 15, 2015, 11:38:06 PM
My town of 30k has one... I am next door to your state, to the West. Similar climate and population...

If you are considering a five hour drive I figure the nearest LGBT center might have some info that would possibly reduce your travels.

Also, depending on your commitment to transition, it is probably helpful to tell potential therapists you are trans* during your phone consultation. They may know someone even better at it, or closer to you, than they are.

IME, therapists who are not, "Experts" in our issues can still be very good. Therapists tend to deal with similar types of people and stories every day. We can stand out and make their day more interesting. That can inspire them to do better than average work.

Oh, while I am brainstorming, almost any college or university will have a LGBT center you can contact.

You are in the tougher Dakota for resources but there are still options out there.

Only place I've found online so far is NDSU but it's all pertaining to students. I'll have to call them to get more info.

I too live in a town of 30k people, but so far not finding anything here. I'll keep looking though.

Oh and I did include that I'm trans in the email so she's got some basic information to go off of.

I don't know what to do anymore......

I feel like I need to relocate or something. I've now emailed 5 therapists and so far have gotten only one response which was a flat out no. This damn state and these damn people and their damn religious ideology.....AAAAARGH!!!!!! I'm at a loss I can't find anything in the entire state that will actually return my calls and emails. For crying out loud I'm willing to drive 5 FREAKING HOURS for an appointment if it's all I can get, but they won't even talk to me.

I can't even move out of the state till the time ticker in my signature reaches zero.....I need help.....

How much Military commitment time left?

About three and a half years. I've served five and a half so far.

You are in a tough spot unless you want a discharge. The further you go for therapy the more time you will need in leave. That raises questions which will be very hard for you to answer honestly. There are some here who have been found out while on active duty. I hope they can address their experiences better. I was away before starting transition as my air base was in the buckle of the bible belt. I simply didn't need the extra pressures of the UCMJ and a Jag breathing down my neck as transition is hard enough.

I'm National Guard I don't go but for one weekend a month since after my first year of enlistment "besides the two times I've been on active duty". It's not the military I'm worried about I know what I can and can't do till I have my DD214. It's just finding someone to help till then and be able to hit it hard once I am out right away.

Good, you have wiggle room! Try Psychology Today online. You can tailor a search any way you choose. Specialty, location, etc.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/

If they advertise gender services just call before and confirm that.

Also if you live near a major University see if they have a Psychology Department on campus. That is how I found mine at Oklahoma State University. $10.00 per session.

The information on the internet is so scarce for this state and so outdated, but my mom knew who to talk to.

I finally found a trans friendly therapist and she's just a couple blocks away! OMG I'm so excited!!!!! I have an appointment for next Friday.

Yay that is wonderful news. I wish you the best of luck with that first appointment as you begin this next step in your journey. Hugs
Mariah

Quote from: Jasriella on February 10, 2015, 01:29:01 PM
The information on the internet is so scarce for this state and so outdated, but my mom knew who to talk to.

I finally found a trans friendly therapist and she's just a couple blocks away! OMG I'm so excited!!!!! I have an appointment for next Friday.

First appointment last Friday didn't happen. Dr. Jenn texted me she was too sick to even call so rescheduled for an appointment that is now in exactly 13hrs. I was pretty bummed waiting another week but the day is here so I guess we'll see what happens with attempt round two.

First appointment done, I got feels  .

First thing is my current job is extremely destructive to me in multiple ways, the hours and lack of sleep a key factor. The next thing is I should start dressing up more, doesn't have to be in public but she thinks it'll help. Lastly she is certain this is something I should definitely pursue, I'm well informed and one thing that caught me off guard when I was talking about how when I'm out of the military I can finally take this all the way and whatnot, she said I was glowing with joy just at the thought of it.