A little help with step 1 ?

[Ann W]

So I'm here at beginning and I want to find a good gender therapist.  I've been to the resource page, where I realized I don't know much about what I'm looking at.  As far as suffixes, I know PhD but that's it.  Can anyone shed some light on what letters I should look for at the end of a name.

 

I'm in California, and I consider all of L.A. up to Santa Barbara within driving distance if necessary, so I'm hoping I can find an actual specialist (that will work with medi-cal).  I lost over 40 shows this year, plus I had gotten a day job with a Kaiser plan, but that went away as well.  So for now, only taking steps that are covered by the state until my income picks up again.

 

Any helpful hints, or recommendations from other Californians?
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[Jackie C.]

My regular therapist and one of my gender therapists are LMSW. That stands for Licensed Master Social Worker. They've got three degrees, but none of them are doctorates.

 

Hugs!

[Susan R]

@Ann Winslow

 

My therapists are both licensed mental health counselors (LMHC). Each of my therapists specialize in gender issues (among other things) and are accepted by most if not all insurances practicing in Washington state. I don’t know if that is the case in CA. If you want a good resource about what these strange acronyms mean, try this page (goodtherapy.org)

 

My Best,

Susan R?

[Ann W]

Thank you.  That certainly helps.

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[KayC]

5 hours ago, Ann Winslow said:

Can anyone shed some light on what letters I should look for at the end of a name.

 

Hi Ann.  I found this link you might find helpful.

https://www.lisettelahana.com/what-is-a-gender-specialist

 

Realize when you do find a therapist, it is OK and advisable to ask them as much as you need to feel comfortable with their experience with transgender patients.  A good therapist will welcome your interest in getting the best possible care for yourself.

Starting therapy is a HUGE step forward.  Good luck❣️

[Lee H]

Hi Kay

I don't know about Ann Winslow, but I sure found it helpful. I was reading it just before the VA Transgender Support Group online meeting, presided over by one of the Reno VA's MD Psychiatrists. I asked if any "Gender Therapist" was on their team. When he asked the reason I asked, I summarized the WPATH standard I had just finished reading, and described all the Forum posts discussing the significant importance of their "Gender Therapists." Turns out there are none per se, but there are a few with reasonable to extensive experience. Inasmuch as the shrink whose caseload includes me is being transferred to Sacramento VA, I was due to change anyway, so he said he'd discuss my request in their staff meeting, and find me a Transition experienced counselor.

 

It takes resuming the "military mindset" for me to remain calm. They're trying their best, I know. That was great timing, Honey. Thanks a whole bunch.

~~Hugs from Lee~~

[Ann W]

11 hours ago, KayC said:

15 hours ago, Ann Winslow said:

Can anyone shed some light on what letters I should look for at the end of a name.

 

Hi Ann.  I found this link you might find helpful

Thank you Kay...a lot of good info in there.

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[KayC]

On 10/10/2020 at 5:02 AM, Lee H said:

he said he'd discuss my request in their staff meeting, and find me a Transition experienced counselor.

You're welcome @Ann W!

That's great, Lee!  happy that link was helpful to you also, and the VA are working with you. 

Hope they find you a great one, Dear❣️