Hello, my name is Chris.  I need advice from experienced people as yourself.  I am trying to get on T, but its never an easy journey. Currently i'm at the stage when I need to get my letter, but I can't afford the therapy.  I'm really level headed, both my friends and my doctor would agree.  The doctor just said she requires the letter, but said it in a way as if she doesn't care two ->-bleeped-<-s about the letter.  My question is do you think I should just fake the letter, since all she needs it is a requirement and most likely wouldn't check up on the "psychiatrist'.  Has anyone else done that?  Thank you so much for your time.

I would not advise faking the letter. That is forgery, and against the law. I dont know what country you are from, but in the states social services can help you.

Also, you might want to introduce yourself in the introductions section.

Would it be possible to go for a very basic psych eval and print out an informed consent form (I know somebody on here has a PDF)? Or could you ask your doctor if she could use informed consent?

What she told me is she is required by law to have a letter stating it was alright to continue to hormone treatment.  I'm not familiar with what the guidelines are.  But any suggestion is something I can look into.

Also I know its against the law, but I'm going to be backpacking in about a year and would like to get on T ASAP.  Plus I feel the doctor doesn't even care about the letter, just something she has to do.

Another thought, if you are from the U.S., and a veteran, the va can help. That is what I am doing, and it is painless.

Susan's Place can Not condone faking any letter.  We do not support self medication and faking the letter would be just that.  Please refrain from asking questions that would require members to break the Site Rules.

How do you know she wouldn't check? If she's going by the book enough to require a letter, I wouldn't chance it. Could be she said it that way out of sympathy or commiseration. I wouldn't put too much stock in her tone. Her license is on the line. She'll cross her Ts.

Hi Chris 

Have you looked into on-line gender therapists? The rates tend to be more affordable and then you can get your required letter for your doctor the safe and legal way 

Hoping it works out for you

Hugs

V M

Chris, V M makes a very good point.

Also, it occurred to me that, if you are in school, you might have access to student health services.

Just to get a bunch of info under one roof, I'll repeat a few recommendations that other people have made. Low-cost therapy options include standard insurance, student health services, LGBT centers, city/county options (if you are classified as low income), sliding scale therapists/clinic--and I once knew of a therapist who did some counseling in groups; I think it was about $25 a session. That's probably pretty rare, but (as someone else pointed out), online therapy is available and can be less expensive than in-person therapy.

Somebody mentioned the VA, but I get the impression (perhaps incorrect) that you are not eligible.

Other options include finding a new doctor who does informed consent, going to an informed consent clinic, or trying Planned Parenthood (some guys have had success).

Obviously, some options cost more than others. When you say that you can't afford therapy, I'm not sure what that means. Could you afford low-cost therapy, or are you so strapped that you don't have two dimes to rub together? Have you any assets at all? Are you working? And so forth.

If you aren't sure what options are available in your area, you can start a new post with a subject heading that reflects your state/country, and get advice from other members who live in the same region.

I understand your strong desire to go on T by any means necessary, but start looking into legal options.

These are online (mostly via Skype) resources:
http://www.lauras-playground.com/gender_therapists.htm

Susan's might have a list as well, which would be worth looking for. Some of the above have sliding scales.

--Jay Jay

You sound like the perfect candidate for an "Informed Consent Clinic":

https://www.susans.org/wiki/Informed_consent

Even if you have to travel a thousand miles, you could have legally prescribed hormones in as little as three visits.  It could end up being much cheaper than months of counseling.

This brochure from the Howard Brown Clinic describes the process:

http://www.howardbrown.org/uploadedFiles/Services_and_Programs/Primary_Care_Medical_Services/THInC%20BROCHURE.pdf

With a few phone calls to set up appointments you could get it all done in a few days.  What you save on counseling should more than cover your travel expenses.

Quote from: Chris117 on June 01, 2012, 02:16:06 PM
Currently i'm at the stage when I need to get my letter, but I can't afford the therapy.  I'm really level headed, both my friends and my doctor would agree.