I live way up north in the frozen tundra of Alaska. There was an experienced therapist, but she moved away. I emailed her and she recommended a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Is anyone seeing one. Also has anyone eventually recieved a surgery letter from a LCSW? I'm getting to the point where I need to get on the legit and eventual fulltime and surgery track.
Thanks
Lisa

Hi Lisadear (It's a cute name too! )

I'm pretty sure for bottom surgery you need 2 letters - 1 from  a someone like a LCSW (masters degree) and another from someone with a PHD (like a psychologist) who can independently evaluate you and write the second letter.

I hope the LCSW is a good route to go since thats the route I'm on right now- they are a lot more plentiful in my neck of the USA than people with higher degrees, and I think when it comes time to get a second therapist involved, I think she or he should be able to refer you to a colleague.  Granted I'm not in a position yet to be concerned with surgery, only looking for HRT and emotional issues.

I think it wouldn't hurt to read the latest standards of care to get an idea of what you may need.

I have always had LCSW Gender Therapist. Two of them I thought were really well prepared and very helpful the third one not so much, she just didn't seem very skillled yet in as a counsler and in fact has only been an LCSW for one year.

Huggs

Emily

My therapist (in Colorado) is a LCSW with a focus on gender issues. So far, I've been pretty happy with her. She does write letters for hormones and/or SRS (pending a second qualified signature) in cases where it is appropriate. (I made a point of checking.)  The biggest downside is that she is a little over an hour away. Not very convenient.