What kind of questions are asked/what kind of conversations do you normally have with psychologists so you can be approved for hrt?
I'm super worried that when its time to start t that when I go to a psychologist they're gonna throw some shade and be like "sorry you're not trans enough" (which sounds ridiculous, I know, but its such a legit fear of mine), "you're too young to make this decision" etc. Even though I 100% know I'm trans and this is what I have to do to better become who I really am on the outside to reflect who I am on the inside. Idk, maybe its just the whole someone else having to validate my gender thing that really gets to me.
I've had a therapist in the past (for both transgender and personal reasons), but something gives me the feeling that this would be different from that. I'm just really curious as to what things might be prompted.

I'm already seeing a therapist about this and I've only been there twice and he's beating around the bush because he doesn't know me well yet. I'm sure it will take forever if he ever approves the hormone therapy. I don't know if the therapist is required to see you a certain amount of time, or if it's at their discretion.

I got my letter for HRT after 3 visits. just be honest about your past experiences. They have to confirm that you have gender identity disorder and that hrt will help with any depression that comes with it. I was straight forward. I let her know that I started mentally transitioning over 10 years ago. I gave her some past experiences where I voiced that I was meant to be a boy not a girl. It was a no brainer for her.

Quote from: teddybear_zach on June 13, 2015, 10:53:46 AM
I got my letter for HRT after 3 visits. just be honest about your past experiences. They have to confirm that you have gender identity disorder and that hrt will help with any depression that comes with it. I was straight forward. I let her know that I started mentally transitioning over 10 years ago. I gave her some past experiences where I voiced that I was meant to be a boy not a girl. It was a no brainer for her.

You're lucky. It may take me a little longer to either get the note. I may have to change therapists every 6 months until I get it.

I don't think its luck. They have to make sure that its not a phase that someone may be experiencing. I'm 34 years old so its definitely not a phase or product of any depression.

Quote from: teddybear_zach on June 13, 2015, 11:30:15 AM
I don't think its luck. They have to make sure that its not a phase that someone may be experiencing. I'm 34 years old so its definitely not a phase or product of any depression.

I understand. I'm 25, and have had mental health issues before so I guess it will take a long time for me. You do look like a teddybear, Zach!

Quote from: Jake25 on June 13, 2015, 07:54:21 PM
I understand. I'm 25, and have had mental health issues before so I guess it will take a long time for me. You do look like a teddybear, Zach!

Lol yeah I been getting that my whole life so why not embrace it

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Quote from: beelzebub on June 11, 2015, 10:29:37 PM
What kind of questions are asked/what kind of conversations do you normally have with psychologists so you can be approved for hrt?
I'm super worried that when its time to start t that when I go to a psychologist they're gonna throw some shade and be like "sorry you're not trans enough" (which sounds ridiculous, I know, but its such a legit fear of mine), "you're too young to make this decision" etc. Even though I 100% know I'm trans and this is what I have to do to better become who I really am on the outside to reflect who I am on the inside. Idk, maybe its just the whole someone else having to validate my gender thing that really gets to me.
I've had a therapist in the past (for both transgender and personal reasons), but something gives me the feeling that this would be different from that. I'm just really curious as to what things might be prompted.

Hi beelzebub,

I had been going to a therapist about 6 months when I decided to try HRT.  My therapist recommended three endocrinologists in my area (I live in Virginia) and I called one of them to make an appointment.  I asked if they needed a letter from my therapist, and much to me surprise, they said it wasn't necessary.  (My therapist said she would send one anyway.)

My experience was that I was not made to prove I was transgender; it was one of support.  I am probably a lot older than you (I am 57), but I would not think that is as important as conveying who you are and what you feel to your therapist.  I would not think of it as validation, but as assistance to help you get what you want.

You know, 20 years ago, walking into a psychologist's office and saying you were trans* meant you were mentally ill and needed a "cure".  Thankfully, attitudes have changed significantly, but hormone therapy is a serious medical treatment, so there should be some proper evaluation. I don't think of it as exclusionary, there has to be some responsible oversight to the whole process.

I've been seeing a therapist for about three months, and he's never questioned my decision ( I did seek him out because he was listed with transgender experience tho) We really haven't talked about a letter per se. But I do have an appointment with a new doctor on June 30 who was also listed as being transgender-friendly. So at this first appointment, I'm just going to come right out and ask her "what do you need from me for this to start?"