Therapist Questions

[Guest Ashley C.]

So I'm thinking about starting to see a therapist, and I have a few basic questions. How much does each session typically cost? What do I tell him or her once I go in for my first session? Should I save up tons of money beforehand so I can cover the cost of additional therapy and hormones, should they be prescribed?

Since this is my first step on the long road of transitioning, I'm pretty apprehensive. I just want to make sure I have all my bases covered, and that I a) don't go to the wrong therapist and get screwed out of a lot of money. It helps a little knowing that most of the fear is just in my head and totally unfounded, but that doesn't do too much to make it go away . Anyhow, I'd really appreciate anyone's advice on this, and it might help me iron out a few of the jitters before I actually make that phone call or send out that e-mail.

Thanks,

Ash

[Guest Sofiadragon]

What I did was search around for a good therapist & then looked @ how much that they cost & I was finding an average of about $80 - $160 an hour which is about what they typically cost per session from what I have been seeing. The first few sessions are mainly going to be what is called an intake session where they gauge what they need to know about you so that they can figure out what they are going to do. And when it comes to the hormones they aren't the ones that perscribe them, they will wright a letter of recomendation to a endocronologist that they know & work w/ & the endo is the one that will perscribe you the hormones 'cause they need to do blood work to figure out what they are going to be giveing you.

[Guest Ashley C.]

Interesting...thanks for the tips

[Guest Donna Jean]

Ashley, Honey......

You MUST go to a "Gender Therapist" ...if you do not, you will most likely be wasting your money. A regular therapist is better than nothing, but why waste your money...

And according to the Standards of Care you will probably need 12 sessions minimum to get a therapist's letter to start hormones.

And on your first session tell them exactly why you are there...

Also...

Where I live an endocrinologist is very hard to find within a hundred miles...

So, I got a general practitioner who treats Transfolk and reads the blood work and prescribes my hormones. Google your states Trans resources and e-mail them asking what doctors will treat you...that's how I found my doctor. She's a peach!

SAVE MONEY!!!!!!!!

A lot of girls here are doing this, like Sofia above (Hi, Hon **waves**) and Lizzy and Sally and we'll be happy to give you the benefit of what we have learned so far as we do this , so feel free to PM us if you need to.....OK?

Good luck, Sweetheart!

Donna Jean

[Sally]

Check to see if there is a GLBT Center anywhere near you.

My therapist is giving me a special rate because I have no insurance and she told me about the GLBT Center where they do $80 blood work and the Doctor's visits are free.

Hormones are available in all price ranges including some on the WalMart $4 a month list.

"It doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg - sometimes, they just take a Kidney and send you on your way!" Norm Crosby.

Sorry, I had to put that in!

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest angie]

See if the therapist works on a sliding scale.

That means,she/he will charge what it is YOU can afford.

My current talk doc costs me twenty five a visit,a doable figure.

But I have paid up to ninety a visit when I was gainfully employed.

Call in advance,ask pointed questions,use a list.

Therapy is a business,find the therapist that you are comfortable with.

You will know on your first visit.Once you find the right one,they become

like a good friend you can tell all your problems to,knowing what

you say goes no further.Remember,they are there for you,so be

truthful,hold nothing back,and get the benefits of therapy.

Hugs,

Angie

[Guest Ashley C.]

Good advice, thank you so much girls. I've already started looking for a gender therapist, and I found one in Providence that looks promising. I'll hopefully contact her within the next couple of weeks, after my summer loan check comes in . I'll let you know how it goes every step of the way, of course.

Now, while my nails are drying, I thought I'd tell you about a little master plan that I hatched. I'll be done with my last exam at the end of this week and hopefully moved into my new apartment by the end of next, where I'll be living by myself. Once I move in, I'll have about another week until summer classes start, then it will be class three days a week until July, when I'll get the whole month off . Anyway, my master plan is: should I kick down my closet door and come out to all the world once I get my own place in a couple weeks? This idea seems really appealing to me because, first of all, the whole world would know I'm tg, and that would take the burden off my shoulders immensely (I'm so tired of keeping it bottled up); and, secondly, I have two years of law school left, and I really would like everyone I'm in school with to have known me as Ashley longer than they knew me as my male self (almost a year so far).

I have to say, I've always been a fan of the "fortune favors the bold" approach, and it's very tempting right now. So, what do you think? Should I go for it or continue laying low?

Time for the second coat...

Ash

[Guest angie]

Ash,

It is MAJORLY freeing to tell the world who you are.

And,by coming out,even,especially at school,they get used to the real you.

My advice,get your name change VERY soon,that way all your transcripts can

be changed and will be in ASHLEY's name,not his.Just seeing your real name is thrilling.

Having all documents verifying/validating you as a she,will save you later grief.

Imagine walking across the stage at graduation as the real you in a dress and heels.(smile)

Angie