She got back to me like ASAP. We talked intially through e-mails and then I had my free 30 minute consult andthat really helped break the clinet/therapist ice. But, then I didn't schedule my first appointment until after the holidays....lol so I added to my own anxiety.

I felt like puking and I almost didn't go. But after having my ex drive around for about five minutes, I was still nervous but I didn't want to puke.

At first I was like "is she going to expect me to start talking first?" Because if so that was not going to fly. But she started talking and then we started talking like we were friends. She'd ask the neccessary questions for her assesment, but like it was easy to talk to her. By the end fo the first session, she was ready to give me my letters. But I'm going to continue you to see her through out my transition.

Quote from: Alexie on January 19, 2010, 09:58:48 PM
Gee, mine just cost $120, also uninsured! Ouch!!
I live in Australia though, but our dollar has almost reached parity with the USD anyway.

You may not have private health insurance, but you know (if you are refered by a GP) you can get most of therapy cost refunded via public health insurance (medicare), right? (<- Also playing for team .au ).

Judging by the $120 figure, you probably know it already - but I'm mentioning it just in case

Mine is $110 per session after rebate. He charges $320 per session actual.

Quote from: TheOtherSide on January 19, 2010, 02:19:20 PM
How long did it take before  a therapist called you guys back to schedule an appointment?

I called mine after I got the referal from the GP, and booked my first appointment on the phone then and there.

I had picked out the therapist I wanted to see before going and getting the referal, so I had his contact details on hand ready to go. They were accepting when I called, so it was easy to get the appointment.

If they aren't accepting any new patients right now (which I assume is the hold up), it could be any length of time before a spot frees up. It all depends on the individual practice and current patient load.... though any professional receptionist should have given you an approximate timeframe when you called them to try to book the appointment.

posting this a little later than i intended...
i had my first appointment last wednesday (have another one this wednesday) and it went really well. a lot of what we talked about was abstract, social stuff as related to gender identification and historical models. it was a very informal, relaxed setting. she sees patients in her home office. she said that it seemed i was very mature and seemed to be taking great care in my consideration of my gender and need for possible transition. also, we negotiated a reduced rate, $50 down from $75. she said that when we spoke on the phone prior to meeting, she said i came across as very androgynous, which, at this time, is okay with me. at this moment, as long as i'm not being seen as purely female, i'm all right, if that makes sense. although it is a very wonderful, empowering feeling when read as male.
anyway, that's my share for now. anyone else just starting to see a therapist, and how's it going?

I have to agree with ativan on the blind step of faith. I've been going for a couple months now and really get along with my shrink. He's a great guy and I don't feel uncomfortable around him. We haven't discussed anything considering my gender, which is alright because he's tackling some serious problems in my life with me concerning family and friends. He's worked wonders with me.

I got lucky finding him. I know not everyone clicks with their shrink. Take a leap of faith, do it. I'm glad I did