A few questions

[Guest Daphne21]

I just wanted to ask a few questions on gender therapists. If you can answer any of them, doing so would be appreciated.

Ok, now first off, I'll start with some backround information. At the moment, I'm 16 jobless and do not drive. I've told my family what I am but they seem to all be in denial and are just shrugging it off like it's no big deal. I've asked and asked to see a gt but it never leads to a positive outcome. Since these events, I've gone back to my old plan. My old plan was to find a job, save as much money as possible, go to a gt on my own, and hopefully have everything work out. Now here's where the questions come in.

1. I'm a little worried that I may not be able to see a gt on my own until I'm a certain age. As such, do you have to be of age to see one, or can you see one no matter what if you have the money? Which leads to...

2. How much money do gt's usually cost? My plan was to save up about $500 or so before looking for one.

3. Now I've realized that there seems to be a shortage of people on the site from my area but, if you've gone to Bob Loos in Memphis, TN by any chance/know of him, any info would be great seeing as he's the closest gt to me on laura's gt list.

And really, I suppose that's about it. I would truly appreciate any answers/advice you have for me.

[Charlize]

Daphne,

1. I do not think there is any age limit. Although there will be for any medical procedures in the future. I'd try to involve my parents.

2. My GT is $150 per session. That can vary.

3. I found my therapist from a Trans friend.

I like your plan but... I think its great that you will work and save. I leo think that your efforts will convince your parents. That's the important thing. Otherwise you are hiding and will have a lot of trouble moving forward. Your plan is fine but involve them as you can.

Hugs from a grandma,

Charlie

[Paula ult]

Daphne,

1. If under 18 years old a parent or guardian would have to sign off for you going, this is any medical professional.

2. Prices vary according to where you live and what the therapist thinks he can charget, my therapist charges $220.00 an hour, some therapists will work on a sliding scale charging prices according to how much you make.

3. Support groups are the best places to find the best GT in your area, if there are any close, do they have a web site you can join and ask, if you have a PFLAG in your area call them and ask.

Paula

[Guest Melissa~]

170$ per session here, I found the best one I could in the region.

I have very good job benefits as I'm government, I have 500$ deductible( 3 sessions out of pocket,) 70% coverage for an out of network therapist after that, no limits, no authorization required for standard sessions.

Weekly sessions come up to $210(with the occasional fifth week) a month after the beginning. This isn't too bad($3590 a year for therapy every week), except that I'm in the big D, elective expenses must be carefully managed, therapy is a grey area.

Staying in network would put costs at 80$ a month total, no initial out of pocket, but none of the bonafide gender therapists were in network, I'm not paying less just to be preached at.

[Guest carolynn2fem]

Daphne I'm not sure how this works But if You talk to your regular dr. and ask for a referal You are putting 1 adult on your side. this discussion is now not between You and Your parents. It is now between Your Dr. and parents. Your parents can dismiss your request but can they can they dismiss a Dr. as well? Carolynn

[Guest Lizzie McTrucker]

Dang, either you guys are over-paying or I got a great deal. My GT only charges $90/session.

[Guest Sarinah]

Most therapist will operate on a sliding scale based on income. Thats why everyone is reporting such a large difference in cost.

You can see a therapist at any age but in some states your parents will have to give consent if you are under 18. Maybe by earning the money to see a therapist on your own you can show your parents that this is important to you.