Psychiatrist Evaluation for GCS letter

[Saoirse 2]

-Warning, possible trigger warning for shared thoughts below-

 

I have been seeing a licensed therapist for nearly a year regarding my gender identity concerns. I am 6 months along on GAHT, 3 months along with LTE, and I would like to proceed with scheduling surgeries, and the waiting list is lengthy for my chosen surgeon.

 

He will not schedule without my letters and my insurance requirea that one letter be written by a psychiatrist or psychologist.

 

I finally have an appointment to see a psychiatrist, and I am afraid of not receiving a confirming diagnosis. In my heart I am sure, and logically my history should support a diagnosis, but suddenly I am tempted to leave out information concerning my doubts or behaviors atypical of transgender youth. It is bringing to the front all my fears surrounding the question, "Am I trans enough?"

 

I know I have to and should be open and honest with this psychiatrist, but I am terrified of being told, "Nope, your not trans. You're just crazy and sick."

 

Sorry if that triggers any of you. I hope you don't think less of me for having these fears. But I don't think many without our shared experiences could understand.

 

Saoirse

 

 

[VickySGV]

Please remember the basic instructions on breathing, one breath in  for every breath out and keep them in order.  There are no right or wrong answers for the Psychiatrist.  None of us is TYPICAL in the nature of a checklist to see that we are Trans.  Whatever you have done about it, if your feelings of Dysphoria have been Consistent over a long period of time' if the feeling has Persisted and not gone rapidly back and forth, and has gotten more and more Insistent that it is your way to be happy and productive in life.  It is if you are dishonest with the Psychiatrist that you will tend to hurt yourself and chances.  Your surgery is the only road to your happiness and you are owning it with clear mind and conscience.

[KathyLauren]

I agree.  Don't worry unnecessarily.   Be honest with them. 

 

You don't have to fit the "standard narrative".  The standard narrative was written by muggles.  There is no such thing as "behaviors atypical of transgender youth".  We come in all shapes and sizes and behaviours and levels of awareness.

 

I was sent to a psychiatrist for one of my letters because that was the easiest way to meet the various letter requirements.  It ended up being a three and a half hour drive, each way, for a 30 minute appointment!  Yup, just 30 minutes.  The questions she asked were super-basic, basically trying to distinguish between various psychiatric disorders and gender dysphoria.  Just tell the truth and you'll be fine.

 

[Carolyn Marie]

As my friends have said, there is no litmus test for being trans, there is no one-size-fits-all way of behaving or thinking or dressing.  They will NOT be looking for a way of saying no to you.  They have no reason for wanting to stop your progress until you do or say something that fits their needs.  Please don't worry, hon, you'll be fine.  

 

HUGS

 

Carolyn Marie

[JennaLSinclair]

Hello @Saoirse 2! Honey, you know yourself better than anyone. Go in and just be yourself. Don't try to convince them of anything. Just be honest and talk to them like they're your friend. They are there to help. Take a listen to this podcast, this may help you.

 

https://castbox.fm/vb/82852767

 

Why do you think we have the white stripe in our flag darling? ❤️❤️❤️

[Bri2020]

If you are already on HRT, it's probably just going to be a formality. The letter isn't about whether or not you have the right diagnosis, it's about, "are you prepared mentally to change things surgically?" They want to make sure you have thought things through, have support networks in place, have been living in your target gender role etc etc.  Case in point, if you haven't come out to your family/ friends, they may feel you aren't ready for surgery.  There will be some basic questions about how long have you felt this way and stuff but the standard in mental health circles nowadays is pretty much if you say you're trans, you're trans. Now, I know some providers won't write a letter if they haven't spent some time with you. They also may not write a letter until you've hit the 1 year mark on HRT.   Have you told your therapist you are going in to see him for a letter? Your therapist might send something over to the Dr about your treatment history.

Don't sweat things though. Just be you. I don't think I've ever heard of someone being denied a letter because the Dr didn't think you are trans enough

 

[Guest]

I agree with @Bri2020. I just completed my second WPATH letter and it's more to make sure your ready and know what you're getting into. 

[Saoirse 2]

Thanks everyone. I had my appointment and it was a positive experience. It is going to take, apparently, about 3 sessions, and they are so booked that  may stretch out another 6 months, but at least I am in the queue. 

 

One coincidentally good thing is that by the time these sessions are complete, I will have been on HRT for over a year, so that won't be a reason to delay the 2nd letter.

 

I also have been reflecting that I need to enjoy and explore where I am in transition now. Yes, I want to continue, and yes, I feel some urgency because of my (advanced) years. But that is no reason to rob myself of really being me today. I went out to dinner

and then clothes shopping with my daughter a few days ago, what a wonderful time!