quick question: Is there a specific type of therapist I need to see or will my therapist that I see now work towards getting my top surgery acceptance? I did research and every thing I read said that I would need a referance letter from my gender therapist.

Kody

It's better if you can get someone who specialized in gender and sex. Any therapist can probably do it, but i am finding it is much better if you have one that knows how things will go for you.

They can anticipate issues you will face, have answers to things normal therapists wont, and have somewhat of a guideline to follow.

I agree totally with Leslie Ann above.  See a gender therapist ... preferably with a Ph.D. degree.  Why that degree?  Because, the Standards of Care require that the recommendations for treatment be made by a counselor with said credential and/or a M.D. degree.  Now, that IS so for SRS.  Hormone therapy?  I'm not really sure. 

Can't go wrong going to a gender specialist.  See one if you possibly can.

Hugs.

Quote from: LaceyLynne on April 20, 2009, 01:58:02 PM
I agree totally with Leslie Ann above.  See a gender therapist ... preferably with a Ph.D. degree.  Why that degree?  Because, the Standards of Care require that the recommendations for treatment be made by a counselor with said credential and/or a M.D. degree.  Now, that IS so for SRS.  Hormone therapy?  I'm not really sure. 

Can't go wrong going to a gender specialist.  See one if you possibly can.

Hugs.

Not having the PhD is NOT a usually problematic and PsyDs can also do a second letter as well. Normally most therapists have contacts who will be willing to do a one-session eval of the patient for the purpose of writing a confirmatory opinion to that produced by the primary therapist.

And not having a "doctor" as a primary therapist is absolutely going to save you money in the long-run. The "doctor" adds about double the fee to your price.

Nichole

Very true, Nichole!

My therapist has a Ph.D. and is a psychologist ... and chages $75/hour.  I checked out a psychiatrist (who must have a M.D. to be one), and that lady charges $300/hour ... plus extra add-on fees!  Get this, my therapist has more than twice the experience as the M.D. and is well-known as a TG therapist!

Smart shopping tips, Hun.  Thank you!

Hugs.