Hello all, long time no post (*^^*)'

Hope everyone's been well (and I like new design for the site  )

(Not sure if this is the correct section to post this ^_^' )

Anyway, I have a few questions about therapists, mostly concerning whether a therapist's specialty can hinder their ability to prescribe T-blockers/hormones, etc.  I guess I'm curious as to what qualifications a therapist must have in order to help me progress in transition and not get roadblocked by someone who's credentials aren't enough (or maybe even who's specialty may prove to make them more ill-equipped to help with trans* issues) [not saying it's their fault or anything of that sort ]

I'm still new to all of this (but I've picked up some good bits of info on here as to what makes a good therapist (like, not trying to direct you one way or another in your responses (whether or not its the direction you say you want))), so I'd like to try to set off with the best choice possible.

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I'm current searching psychologytoday.com for therapists in my local area and I'm mostly seeing Family & Marriage (some Drug & Alcohol Councilors and Clinical Social Work therapist) — all listing "Transgender Issues" in their bios.

Are any of these better than any other?

[I'd assume Drug & Alcohol would be lower on the list, since I don't partake in either... well, the drugs - no; the drink - sometime ]

Only a medical doctor can prescribe hormones. That's typically an endocrinologist or a general practice doctor.

Some (but not all) doctors require a therapist's recommendations before the prescribe hormones. Mine asked me who I was seeing and how long I was seeing him, but didn't ask for any type of letter. For those that do, it's up to each doctor what type of therapist they would accept.

There are some doctors and clinics who operate on "informed consent", meaning they don't require any type of therapist, just that you state you understand the risks of hormone treatment.

Many of us go to therapists so they'll help us figure out what sort of transition we want and help us through it. There are gender therapists who specialize in that. But some of us saw regular therapists, and others of us so no therapist at all.

Does this help clear any of it up?

Very much, thank you

You might ask them what their approach is ...
possibly how they see their role...
how much experience they have...
how long it ususally takes until the letter for hrt...


If you would not mind you might tell your state and possibly a big city close by...
possibly someone has written about someone in that area...


hugs

Quote from: Laura_7 on May 31, 2015, 03:55:26 PM
how long it ususally takes until the letter for hrt...

I'd like to add to what Laura put here that it is a violation of the WPATH Standards of Care to require a particular length of therapy for a hormone letter. The SOC are very clear that it is the patient's decision when to start HRT.

I had a rambling, but eloquent reply, but I guess I forgot to hit post 

The crux of my post was this - In my opinion therapy is a necessary evil before and after you start HRT.  It is always good to have that safety net when you are altering your body's chemistry, even if you are positive it is the right decision.

And like Suzi said, most states (if not all) require prescriptions to be written by medical doctors and some states require counseling before beginning HRT.

Just because someone is a gender identity specialist does not mean they are the right fit for you.  You must completely trust and feel comfortable with any therapist.

You are hiring the doctor or therapist so you have the right to makes sure they can do the job you need. On your list to ask them should be the question how and when can I get HRT along with any other questions you want to ask. These questions should be ask the first time you meet. That was the big mistake I made. My first doctor admitted at the start he had never handled a case like this but was able to find an out of state doctor that had been associated with UCLA. I was able to get hormones with the second doctor but I needed far more out of the doctor so I found a third who got me over the hump and on my way.

these ladies are right, just do not let the dr hold this over you.  if this is what you want, do see a therapist first to make sure.  but make sure you are comfortable with this therapist.  after many years you will be dealing with this person, you need to be able to open up to them.  ya think you have issues now;)  but dont wait too long on the hormones and only take the dose you feel comfortable with.  too much is really a bad thing and doesnt always speed things up, and too little can make you very emotional (or it does me)..  start with pills and see if you like this, if so, do injections a couple years for better transition and less liver issues if you can do it.  do try to make sure your times you dose are not too far apart or you get hi's and low's..  its always good to have your dr and therapist know each other, but if not thats ok too..
last thing, get a physical first, have labs and a dr check you out good.  you could have heart issues, or you smoke, or liver issues.  estradiol can make this worse if not addressed first..  this is the big reason self medication is not recommended. 

after all this, just remember things take time, so just start enjoying life and getting ready for this new part!

last thing, dont be afraid to ask like you just did.  we are here to help each other.  a dumb question is better than a dumb mistake;)  take care! 

Just on a side note a psychiatrist is a MD so if you see a psychiatrist he/she can prescribe hormones.

Thanks for the responses, everyone. ^_^ (feeling a bit more equipped to start out  )

I've read some less than stellar things regarding therapists in my area (northern Nevada, near Reno)... whether deserved or not, it kind of leaves me apprehensive about the whole thing  (not even including any of the hoops I may have to go through)

@ Tiffanie — aw, I love rambling eloquence ^_^
@ Dena & Cynobyte — thanks for this; I need to remember to be assertive about this instead of just letting following along
@ iKate — ah, good to know

Quote from: Duskgirl on May 31, 2015, 08:14:17 PM
I've read some less than stellar things regarding therapists in my area (northern Nevada, near Reno)... whether deserved or not, it kind of leaves me apprehensive about the whole thing  (not even including any of the hoops I may have to go through)

I've heard some people say they had good experiences with online therapists. They can write referral letters as well.

I was living in rural West Virginia when I reached the point of needing help. Like you I tried the Psychology Today Doc Find. Like you I saw that many list transgender and LGBT. I also found through numerous calls that really means I once had a class where they may have sort of talked about transgender stuff.

The best way to fing a therapist who knows a little about TG stuff is through a 'Local" TG support group. For me, that was some 90 miles away. As was the therapist. It sure beat the additional 90 mile drive to either DC or Pittsburgh or Philly. TG friendly and didn't need a lot of teaching. Still, not nearly as good as a for real gender therapist and absolutely no where near as good as my support group angels

Your best bet is to call the office and arrange for a short talk with the therapist. No need to get into specifics with the receptionist. Then have a short list of questions for them such as exactly what experience they have with trans clients, and others dictated by your concerns

Most people do not write positive reviews about therapists in online places.  People tend to get angry and post negative comments without thinking while so many are too embarrassed to say, "When I was having psychological issues I found a person that really helped me and kept me from being committed to a mental facility because she really cared."

In my case my insurance did not cover the therapists in my area that specialized in gender identity.  I searched for others that worked with others with LGBT issues.  She also deals with family counseling, ADHD and many other issues.  This proved to be a huge advantage for me because she helped me understand why my family treats me the way they do (even before knowing I was transgender), then did an ADHD assessment.  It was one stop shopping.  Having one therapist for all the intertwining issues worked ... but that's just me.

Oh ... and she had several negative comments on local business search threads.

Well you could look here:
https://www.susans.org/Healthcare/Therapists_and_Counselors/USA/Nevada/

and there was a thread on online therapists...


hugs

Quote from: Duskgirl on May 31, 2015, 08:14:17 PM
Thanks for the responses, everyone. ^_^ (feeling a bit more equipped to start out  )

I've read some less than stellar things regarding therapists in my area (northern Nevada, near Reno)... whether deserved or not, it kind of leaves me apprehensive about the whole thing  (not even including any of the hoops I may have to go through)

@ Tiffanie — aw, I love rambling eloquence ^_^
@ Dena & Cynobyte — thanks for this; I need to remember to be assertive about this instead of just letting following along
@ iKate — ah, good to know

Hi there,  i live near reno and have a great list of friendly doctors and psychologists if your still looking.  All of which are in Reno proper.