Help with therapists or WPATH

[Lauren24]

Hello, I'm new here.

I was on chat last night after a frustrating round of therapy with my new therapist (I am/was a member with Kaiser). I have been on hormones for about 3 years. I wanted to talk with a surgeon about potential complications from SRS and concerns that I have about it. My therapist said that she would not write me a letter to see the surgeon because she did not think I was presenting hard enough. I have long hair, but she doesn't like the way that I like to dress (cargo shorts and t shirts). She cited WPATH guidelines as the reason. I was very upset because I had waited 5 months to hear that news. That (along with other surgeries) was the whole reason I got the insurance, so I dropped it today.

Does anyone know how to get around these guidelines? Or if there is a list of transgender friendly therapists who don't pull this sort of stunt? Thanks for reading!

[Devlyn]

Hi Lauren, welcome to Susan's Place! All of the service providers in our Links Directory are transgender friendly, look in the Healthcare section for therapists.

https://www.susans.org/links/

Most providers are going to follow WPATH guidelines, the only exception is likely to be a cash upfront deal. This is because of insurance requirements.

Good luck and see you around the site.

Hugs, Devlyn

[Devlyn]

Also, WPATH no longer mandates a binary target gender presentation.

[Lauren24]

Also, WPATH no longer mandates a binary target gender presentation.

That is awesome to hear. Thank you for the warm welcome

[Devlyn]

There's a copy right here.

https://www.susans.org/wiki/Standards_of_Care_for_the_Health_of_Transsexual,_Transgender,_and_Gender_Nonconforming_People

[KathyLauren]

Hi, Lauren!

Welcome to Susan's.

I like your name - Lauren is my middle name.

Your therapist is not supposed to be the fashion police.  As Devlyn said, there is nothing in the current WPATH standards that requires a particular presentation.  You do have to present as your true gender for a year prior to surgery.  But a tomboy girl is still a girl.

Please feel free to stop by the Introductions forum to tell the members about yourself.  Here is some information that we like to share with new members:

Things that you should read

Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By	Standard Terms & Definitions	Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar)
Reputation rules	Cautionary Note	Photo, avatars, & signature images policy