I've read up on some of the requirements, but I'm not completely sure if the site I read that from was completely reliable, so I'm wondering what the requirements are.
Also, I know one of the requirements is to have several months of therapy. I already have that down, but is it required to be therapy strictly for gender issues?

The guidelines have actually changed recently.  Here's the most updated version:

http://www.wpath.org/documents/Standards%20of%20Care%20V7%20-%202011%20WPATH.pdf

From that version:

QuoteThe criteria for hormone therapy are as follows:
1. Persistent, well-documented gender dysphoria;
2. Capacity to make a fully informed decision and to consent for treatment;
3. Age of majority in a given country (if younger, follow the Standards of Care outlined in section VI);
4. If significant medical or mental health concerns are present, they must be reasonably well- controlled.

There is no longer a minimum time/number of sessions recommendation.  The therapy doesn't have to exclusively be about gender issues.

Quote from: Adio on October 02, 2011, 11:33:31 PM
The guidelines have actually changed recently.  Here's the most updated version:

http://www.wpath.org/documents/Standards%20of%20Care%20V7%20-%202011%20WPATH.pdf

From that version:
There is no longer a minimum time/number of sessions recommendation.  The therapy doesn't have to exclusively be about gender issues.

This is so helpful. Thank you. 

Quote from: Adrian D. on October 02, 2011, 11:55:34 PM
This is so helpful. Thank you. 

No problem, glad to help   Good luck!

Just as a heads up, doctors do not need to use the new WPATH standards. I know many people go to therapy for trans stuff for at least 3 months before being allowed T. Some places used informed consent. It all depends on where you go, your mental state  and what's available.

Quote from: Nygeel on October 03, 2011, 11:14:53 AM
Just as a heads up, doctors do not need to use the new WPATH standards. I know many people go to therapy for trans stuff for at least 3 months before being allowed T. Some places used informed consent. It all depends on where you go, your mental state  and what's available.

Yes, this too.  They've actually added a section about the flexibility of the guidelines.  Also, a lot of providers will not be aware that there have been changes and may still require x number of sessions, etc.

YAY! Because I was just thinking, I really should NOT have to wait 6 months, a year, 2 years or any length of time really, when I have been this way for my entire life. And being that I'm older, and would like to transition before I'm 40, I think they should respect that and not make me waste my entire life being held down in a place I don't like being in. I think I should get the "I'm old and I know what I want!" privilege. lol

Oh, so that's why my therapist told me I had to regularly take my medicine to deal with my mental issues before he could give me T. 

I think my mental state has improved drastically since I decided that transition is the answer for me. I used to be really depressed, but once you know what's wrong and how to fix it, then the path is clear. Know what I mean?

Quote from: hwytoaster on October 03, 2011, 01:17:03 PM
I think my mental state has improved drastically since I decided that transition is the answer for me. I used to be really depressed, but once you know what's wrong and how to fix it, then the path is clear. Know what I mean?

This.

Since I got away from the people/things that were keeping me down, my mental state has improved ten fold.

Quote from: Nygeel on October 03, 2011, 11:14:53 AM
Just as a heads up, doctors do not need to use the new WPATH standards. I know many people go to therapy for trans stuff for at least 3 months before being allowed T. Some places used informed consent. It all depends on where you go, your mental state  and what's available.

This.  It's pretty much up to the doctor as whether they even want to prescribe T or not and if they do how they want to go about it (whether you have therapy or whatever) it's usually to protect themselves. 

it is really up to your therapist. some therapists will need you to be living full time as male for a period of time, others require a couple months of therapy. as its their consent you need you just have to go with it. they will usually tell you what you need to do if you tell them you want a recommendation to start HRT.

Quote from: anibioman on October 04, 2011, 04:18:54 PM
it is really up to your therapist. some therapists will need you to be living full time as male for a period of time, others require a couple months of therapy. as its their consent you need you just have to go with it. they will usually tell you what you need to do if you tell them you want a recommendation to start HRT.

It's really up to the doctor who will prescribe T.  It's possible to find ones who do informed consent and require no T letter.  If you absolutely cannot find one, in your area or an area a reasonable distance from you, that will do informed consent, then yes you would be dealing with the therapist but you could do one who is miles and miles from you through online/phone sessions (ie, one that will give you a letter after one session) there are ways to do it.  It just takes some working.  I didn't need a lot of counseling and I feel if you absolutely know and have little to no doubts that it's fine to use informed consent.   If you are doubting and unsure it's best to go to therapy. 

Quote from: anibioman on October 04, 2011, 04:18:54 PM
it is really up to your therapist. some therapists will need you to be living full time as male for a period of time

I really don't understand or like this. How are you supposed to "live full time as male" with a feminine voice and body structure? I'm not out, don't use the men's room (most of the time, if the women's is closed for cleaning and I really need to go, I just go "f*** it), and haven't changed my name/pronouns. I pass to strangers probably 50% of the time, and the second I open my mouth, it goes to 0%. I have worn only male clothing for years, with the exception of a sports bra (I've been saving for a binder) and I still don't feel comfortable using a men's restroom on campus ( I could probably pass as a young teen elsewhere). I think it's stupid and unreasonable to expect strangers and acquaintances to "treat you as male" full time when it can be obvious we're physically female.
Just my two cents.

Quote from: BMXJake on October 06, 2011, 02:43:37 PM
I really don't understand or like this. How are you supposed to "live full time as male" with a feminine voice and body structure? I'm not out, don't use the men's room (most of the time, if the women's is closed for cleaning and I really need to go, I just go "f*** it), and haven't changed my name/pronouns. I pass to strangers probably 50% of the time, and the second I open my mouth, it goes to 0%. I have worn only male clothing for years, with the exception of a sports bra (I've been saving for a binder) and I still don't feel comfortable using a men's restroom on campus ( I could probably pass as a young teen elsewhere). I think it's stupid and unreasonable to expect strangers and acquaintances to "treat you as male" full time when it can be obvious we're physically female.
Just my two cents.

Jake, see my post under anibioman's.  It's really up to the doc (assuming you live in the US)

Quote from: Andy8715 on October 06, 2011, 02:46:41 PM
Jake, see my post under anibioman's.  It's really up to the doc (assuming you live in the US)

No, I know that, it was just a general rant. haha 

Quote from: BMXJake on October 06, 2011, 03:14:52 PM
No, I know that, it was just a general rant. haha 

Oh, lol.