How to find a therapist

[Leanne2]

During a car trip yesterday my wife and I and were discussing my situation as a M to F transgendered person. I told her that I wanted to see a specialist about this. She said OK but not in our small town. So how do I find this specialist in a town sixty miles away? Do I have to have a referral from a GP first? I just don't know how to get started. I can't use the GP that I have in our town. Thank you, Leanne

[Tomara]

Hi Leanne
Check with you health insurance provider , they should have a list of qualified therapist's that they will cover at least part of the expense , if they don't have anyone who specializes in gender related issues ask them if you can go out of network to find one yourself then just do a search for gender therapist's in whatever the closest city is to where you live.

I have had very positive results seeing my therapist.

Best of luck to you , it's great that your wife supports you.

Tomara

[StaceyJane]

You shouldn't need any kind of referral.
I tried looking for a gender specialist in my town but since this is an Army town all anyone treats is PTSD and family counseling.
I went online and searched nearby areas and found someone not too far away that had experience with transgendered patients. I called her and talked for a while then booked an appointment.
I've been very happy seeing her.

[Ana5551]

I used my insurance companies website to locate a GLBT Issues therapist and just called for an appointment. It should be that easy for you as well. Keep in mind, you may not like your first one....I am on my third therapist. It took awhile to find one I could trust and one that didn't treat me poorly.

[CharleneT]

Try your nearest LGBT group for some suggestions, or contact the closest Endocrinologist, she/he likely has received referrals and may know someone skilled in Trans issues. Remember, as others have said, being comfortable with the therapist is important, look till you find that person. Also, they do not have to be a gender specialist. It helps, but not a requirement.

[RylieCD]

Leanne,

Once you find a few theripists that your insurance would cover, call them and interview them. My first said that she can provide therepy/support for my issues only to find out that myself and a 4yr old at the time was the only experiance she has had. Yes I agree they have to learn somewhere but early in my (and my wifes) understanding of myself she suggested that I take a trip to an accepting area and live as a female for a period of time. Not good advice for someone who really did not know what was happening at the time (and it was quite a shock to the wife when itold her what the theripist had said)

[Byanca]

There is just one therapist in my area, so no option. She has turned out to be great. Very encouraging, non judgemental. Wrote a letter to the doctor that she thought it best for me to be sent to the central GID clinic for official diagnose(this is what gives me rights and some support, hrt, electrolyses and srs I think). This has to go through the doctor. The doctor called me in 4 august. But I was at my parents, and just found the letter now. So I got a new appointment 9.sept. Next week. But I suppose there is still a long way to go before something happens. There is also the GID clinic, so I may be turned away there. They control everything.

There are some issues I have not sorted out though, and the therapist couldn't help me either. So we will see. First things first.

[TerryTerri]

How I found mine was by cross referencing therapists listed in my healthcare provider network pamphlet with a list ot transgender therapists I found on a transgender reference web site. I had to go out of town myself, due to lack of resources in my town. But, I found a therapist in my provider network, listed as a transgender resource and viola!. btw, my healthcare provider does not cover any transgender or related treatments. My therpist diagnosed me as having depression, which was quite true. The reason behind the depression was not mentioned. lol.

[Nicole1]

You can also Google for a therapist in the town you want to use. Check out their website and see if they have any comments about them. Give them a call and go from there. Some Insurance companies don't provide for Gender Therapy; and if they are not Gender supportive, you may not want to tip your hand to them. Find a therapist and then check the provider list for the insurance co.

[Leanne2]

Thanks girls, I'm still working on it. Two people said they don't do gender therapy but they will find someone who does and call me back. Wish me luck. Leanne

[KeriB]

One piece of advice... Make sure that you find someone who is a gender specialist. I wasted over a yer in therapy with a generalist and ended up in the hospital because of it.... Only someone who knows the issues can really help you find the answers you seek.

[eluuzion]

Hiya L,

Hope this helps, good luck...

GLMA Gay Lesbian Medical Association find a provider search engine
http://www.glma.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageId=939&grandparentID=534&parentID=938

AGLP Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists referral search
http://web.memberclicks.com/mc/page.do?sitePageId=31371&orgId=aglp

AASECT Therapist/Counselor locator
http://aasect.org/directory.asp

List of counselors (by State)
http://www.annelawrence.com/twr/usindex.html

APA American Psychological Association psychologist locator
http://locator.apa.org/

Indexes of Credentials in Mental Health
http://www.srmhp.org/archives/credentials.html

http://depression.about.com/od/psychotherapy/a/licenses.htm

Dictionary of Counselor Initials Acronyms Abbreviations
http://www.counselingseattle.com/initials.htm

[Leanne2]

Thank you girls. I found someone that is only a one hour drive from where I live. My first appointment is next Tuesday. Thanks again for all of the good advice. Leanne

[tanyalynn51]

Im glad you did Leanne. I just found one in my city that I can get to by city bus easily. She was on a website of a local tg website, and will be easy to get to by my city bus system. As I said on a post, Im blessed that a visit is free with my insurance.

[Steph.TS]

I'm confused on a few issues that may be Canada specific, so if any Canadians are reading this please let me know what you think. Is this kinda of therapy covered by Alberta health care? Can I just call up the therapist and ask to set up an appointment or do I need to see my family doctor(that might be a weird visit)? Should I be looking for a psychologist or a psychiatrist?

[Billijo49504]

I too found mine through my healthe insurance. They told me who the worked with and then I called the main office. I told them I had gender issues andI wanted a referral to a good councilor. They suggested Peter, and he was a good fit for both of us. And yesterday I got my hormone letter, but I plan to keep seeing him.
JenCD, I suggest that you do the same thing as a lot of us did, contact your insurance carrier....BJ

[Steph.TS]

does anyone have experience with Calgary Psychology Group? they advertise that they deal with "Sexual Minority Affirmative Counselling for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, and Transgendered Individuals" I'm hoping to find someone who has had some time with with them, maybe PM me let me know how it was.