Need help

[AllisonSJ]

So I've been trying to navigate my insurance to figure out whether I can use my current therapist or find a gender therapist specifically so I can move toward getting hurt. I have kaiser. Has anyone dealt with them or have an idea of what I can do?

[VickySGV]

I am also a Kaiser Member, and they have some very good Gender Therapists people on staff these days.  Go directly to the Behavioral Health department nearest you.  You do not need a referral from your Primary Care doctor to see a therapist.  The do use out of plan therapists in some areas, but you will pay the therapist whatever your co-pay for in service Behavioral Health is.  Get yourself onto Kaiser's website where you can even re-fill your prescriptions, and they will give you an Intake phone number.  Do not be afraid to tell the intake person exactly what you are looking for., 

 

[AllisonSJ]

Thank you you so much Vicky. This really helps I was so confused navigating all the different sites they had. Sometimes all this bureaucracy, can't stress me out. 

<3's 

-Allison

[AllisonSJ]

So I made my first appointment today for a therapist. Omg it's such a relief I literally couldn't keep the jitters away I was so happy when it was confirmed. Is there anything I should do when it comes around or anything I should expect? 

Thanks

Allison

[Carolyn Marie]

Allison, I would just urge you to be open and honest with your therapist.  Explain what your goals are, what your fears are, your expectations, and what you have felt over the years concerning your gender and related issues.  If you have other mental or emotional issues to contend with, including substance abuse, tell them that, also.  Those issues are very important, and not dealing with them can impact the success of transition, if that's your goal.

 

Also, don't be afraid to ask your therapist questions.  You didn't say if it was a gender therapist or a non-specialist.  If its a G.T., ask them about their experience, their training, the types of people they've seen, whether they have connections with other people you might need along the way, such as endocrinologists, electrologists, laser hair removal specialists, etc.

 

I hope that helps.  Good luck!

 

Carolyn Marie

[AllisonSJ]

Thanks Carolyn I did in fact get a gender therapist. This information is really helpful, makes my life a 1000 times better to have an idea ahead of time. I'm such a worry wart. 

Thank you so much, I've only been o. The site 2 days and I've gotten such a wealth of information and help. 

<3's 

Allison

[VickySGV]

I agree with   @Carolyn Marie   on getting right to the point and without fear of what they will think.  They are not going to stand in your way, but they will want to help you clear away any wreckage from your past that might get in your way later and even if you made a good choice to Transition keep you from being the best you can be.  People mistakenly think that Transition will "SOLVE EVERYTHING" but it does not.  Use the time to grow and heal as well as work toward your medical Transition goals.

[Jani]

Great news Allison!   Just be as honest and open as you possibly can when speaking with the therapist.  There is nothing to fear any longer.  Being upfront will allow you to have productive conversations right away. 

 

All my best! 
Jani