Therapists

[Alicia Marie]

  Please tarry with another one of my uninformed questions. I didn't see it on Calpernia Addam's list but that doesn't keep it from making a future list.
  Here goes:
  About three years ago when I got a computer and learned there was this term called transsexual I did a google search to see if there was a gender therapists in my area.
  I found a local one and if memory serves me right she wanted like 50 to 80 dollars an hour.
  Needless to say at $7.00 an hour that is out of the question even with the reduced telephone consultation rate.
  Is there some other option to this or do you just have to find a second job?
  I didn't see gender therapy on the list at the Community Services building I visited recently.
  Alicia

[kae m]

Do you have insurance?  Some therapists take insurance, and some insurance plans cover it just like a normal doctor visit.  I pay my office visit copay and that's it.

If that won't work, some have a sliding scale so that people who need treatment but can't afford the full price can still have access to it.  It doesn't hurt to ask in any case.

[Beyond]

  Please tarry with another one of my uninformed questions. I didn't see it on Calpernia Addam's list but that doesn't keep it from making a future list.
  Here goes:
  About three years ago when I got a computer and learned there was this term called transsexual I did a google search to see if there was a gender therapists in my area.
  I found a local one and if memory serves me right she wanted like 50 to 80 dollars an hour.

Hate to break it to you but the going rate is $100-150/hr.  I pay $120/hr.  My advice is to call this person and explain your situation.  Sometimes they are willing to work on a "sliding scale" that determined by what your ability to pay.  Another thing, not to upset you, is what about transition?  If you can't afford therapy, how will you ever afford to transition?  Seek out options like living with your folks if you aren't already and maybe with their help going to school.  Once you're in there are scholarships and financial aid.  And sometimes a LGBT health center.  Barring that, just try to improve your current job any way you can.  You may have to lay low for now until the economy improves.  It sucks, but it is what it is.  Keep yourself busy searching out alteranatives.  And at the same time continue educating yourself about all phases of transition and maybe working on your voice.  If you have a computer there are tons of resources on-line now, you just have to look.  And voice can be done for free on your own free time.


Good Luck!