I went back to a GID therapist I had seen a few times last fall today, and it was a very frustrating and disappointing 50 minutes.

Or should I say 45? Because we started at 1:05 and ended at 1:50. He was late, and he has been late for our appointments consistently. Beyond that, he ate up 5 more minutes having me fill out a survey and making me listen to minutae about his office procedures.

When I actually started talking, he interrupted frequently. I wanted to get two main points across today: 1) I want to transition, so let's work on that and 2) I want to do everything possible to keep my marriage together, short of never ever transitioning... I'm willing to take years to finish the process, but I want to START the process... I wasn't able to drive these points home because he kept knocking me off-track.

He also forgot or didn't remember key details of my case. It was particularly frustrating to repeat basic information to him... I felt like I was in 5th gear and he was in 2nd the whole time. This is costing me $50 a session, and I want to use the time more efficiently than he is able to.

He also told me that if I wanted my letter from him, I'd have to shell out $300 for a psych evaluation (I forget the name of the test), and then he'd refer me to an endo in Cleveland.. which is a 2-hour drive away at best. This seemed sketchy to me, but admittedly I'm a total noob... Is that par for the course for those doing transition "the right way?"

I'm supposed to meet with him again in 2 weeks (can't afford to meet weekly), but right now I'm very demoralized by my meetings with him. Unfortunately he's the only game in town (that I know of), and Meral Crane appears to be the only option in Columbus... Are there any other decent GID therapists in Toledo or Columbus that y'all know about?

If not, should I give him another chances? He wants me to bring my wife to therapy in two weeks.. I'm not sure if that is a good idea..

Looking for some advice and feedback, y'all....

I went to three therapist before I found one I not only can work with, but enjoy. The first was very much like you described, flaky, late, interruptions, lack of memory. No thanks. These decisions are far to important to be made with someone who yawns in my face and can't even remember simple details.

The second was okay for a therapist, in fact, I still see her. Her problem is that she's much more focused on the LGB side of the equation than the T. In fact, I'm quite sure I was the only T patient she had.

The third is excellent. She's respectful, resourceful, knowledgeable, and respected within the T community.

I would highly recommend you get someone new. My #3 is the furthest away, at about 45 minutes, but it's totally worth it. Think of it this way, would you trust some unknown doc who was clumsy and forgetful to perform surgery on you? No. Then why trust this one?

Good luck!
~Jasmine

*hugs*
the standard evaluation testing media is a MMPI, (minnesota multiphasic personality inventory) it's almost 600 questions that are really 300x2 questions reworded in case there is fudging the truth by the client.  Most of the cost is in the evaluation of the test results, having it done by computer is alot more expensive then by the mental health professional who ordered the test. (don't ask me why)

I could see it for surgery letters, that's what is required by university of mn PHS, but not for a letter of recommendation for hrt. (the basis being meds can to an extent be reversed, surgery can't, therefor making sure the client isn't suffering from comorbid conditions that would preclude the permanent changes of genital surgery.

alt therapists
http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_detail.php?profid=73022

http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_detail.php?profid=68493
expensive but might be better issue wise with the wife, assuming she doesn't have bias against a male mental health pro

edit: bad engrish, bad

FH,
Thank you for the information... I'll check both of them out.

I'm with Kiera on this one.  I paid $450 on sliding scale for mine.

im going for my first therapy in 2 weeks, anyone have experience with the TIGRIS program at choices counseling in albany ny? ive done alot of research on them, and they seem like a flexible and understanding staff.... and have sliding scale payment too

Have you checked out your local LGBT center? Sometimes they will know of therapists/docs that aren't listed as being T friendly, but are.

I might give Vicki Van Deilen in Toledo a try... I'll let y'all know how that goes