Does Psychiatry normally get directly involved in Transgender therapy? My medical systems chief psychiatrist just called at 8:30pm.  She is setting up an appointment with the real trans therapist in an office about 10 miles away.  She is recommending that they see me soon since I am leaving for the midwest in a few days.  Already delayed the trip once, and I hate to do that again, but whatever it takes to get this started is all good.  Even if it puts the work in Michigan on hold for a few more days.

The last two months have all been very confusing, and I know my rants aren't appreciated.  So thanks for putting up with me. 

Kathy

Quote from: kathy b on June 26, 2012, 11:17:01 PM
Does Psychiatry normally get directly involved in Transgender therapy? My medical systems chief psychiatrist just called at 8:30pm.  She is setting up an appointment with the real trans therapist in an office about 10 miles away.  She is recommending that they see me soon since I am leaving for the midwest in a few days.  Already delayed the trip once, and I hate to do that again, but whatever it takes to get this started is all good.  Even if it puts the work in Michigan on hold for a few more days.

The last two months have all been very confusing, and I know my rants aren't appreciated.  So thanks for putting up with me. 

Kathy

It certainly can.  And if the psychiatrist is well-versed in transition issues, you may be able to avoid the complications of an endocrinologist, as psychiatrists hold an MD degree and can prescribe medications.

(And Kathy, this is a support site. "Rants" are part of the process.)

Caution! The shrink might be a gatekeeper.

It also depends where you are. In Australia, therapists who treat TG people are psychiatrists.

I'm in California.  After reading entirely through their Transgender Health website information it's pretty clear that they're making an appropriate referral.  Guess I really have to thank my doctor because she took the initiative to forward a referral directly to the chief psychiatrist for Transgender Health.  And they're following the WPATH 7th version, so it could still take some time for me to jump through the hoops in this large healthcare system and get to a final destination. 

Just another new adventure.  I'll see what happens next. 

And thanks for understanding Jamie.