Went to see a counselor - have a couple of questions

[Maddie22]

I found a therapist that specializes in LGBTQ counseling at the StL pride. She was offering a free 30 minute session. So I went ahead with her offer. I liked her, and thought she was really nice, and I'd like to go back. However I have a few questions for you all that would help me out.

1.) I'm unemployed and have a very tight budget right now. She has a sliding scale, and said she can work with me on a payment amount. What would be an appropriate amount that would be fair to both her and I?

2.) She does not have a masters in psych, her masters is in social work (which does happen to be from one of the best programs in the nation). Have any of you had any experiences with counselors with an MSW? What are your perspectives on counselors with an MSW vs counseling or PtsD or other types of certified counselors? I know after my one visit with her that the sociology fundamentals were apparent, which I'm not saying at this time is either good or bad, just a different perspective.

Thanks for your help on this!

[Bree-asaurus]

All I can offer is what my therapist offers. His scale is $50-100 depending on your situation. I've been seeing him for a long time and one time, he said he wouldn't accept a payment from me, knowing the situation I was in. I would just talk to this therapist and see what she offers.

My therapist is technically a social worker as well and he is VERY highly recommended and very well known. The degrees don't mean as much as the person behind them.

[Jorja]

There is only one way to find out what she will charge you. Ask her. I know a girl here in Ohio that is only charged $35 per session. I also know someone in New York that is charged $150 per session. It all depends. On what I am not exactly sure.

As for the degree hanging on the wall, they have thier place but I have yet to see one that is a degree in Transgendered or Transsexual studies. If you like this person and she seems to be helping you understand yourself, what more could you ask for?

[kimdl93]

I went to a Psychology PHD and was very impressed by her approach, knowledge and temperment. Can't say that I've used and MSW, but I know that many health centers employ MSWs and have good results. If she's properly credentialed, then the real question is how you feel the sessions are going, and what you're getting out of the experience. As for cost, I would just ask her what she would accept and see if that's in your price range.

[danielleb]

Well if you're seriously in the hole financially then you should ask around or contact the DHS. There is usually some type of assistance available. Locally we have a county program titled 708 funding, which helps with medical costs. It only offers availability to certain doctors/facilities, but something can be better than nothing! With that program and sliding scale rates I have found offerings at $50/$20/and free. The key is that they are still getting paid, and you are paying less. Of course the most important thing is that you are comfortable with the person you are seeing over everything else. So if you have to beg borrow and steal to get something that you think will help you keep moving forward with your life then do it. :)

[Karan49]

Hi Maddie,

A sliding scale depends on your finances and what your therapist considers to be fair and managable for her needs. Be honest about your income ie. unemployment insurance payments or pension benefits as well as your expenses ie. rent or mortgage, student loans, health expenses and such. Think about what you could afford to pay weekly or monthly and let her know.

As to seeing someone with an MSW or other credential I agree it is more important to see someone you can relate to easily. But another concern may be your goal. If you're considering HRT or SRS be aware of the Standards of Care requirements for counseling to be under the umbrella of a licensec psychologist or psychiatrist. That is someone who has a Psy.D, Ph.D, or M.D. This may be circumvented at times if the therapist is under the supervision of someone with the appropriate credentials. You may ask your therapist if she has such connections if you have such goals in mind. Good luck.

Karan

[sandra-leigh]

I have no experience in judging fair or reasonable sliding scales.

As a datapoint: the only official gender therapist in the city I live in (catch basin about 1 million people) charges $160 per session (50 minutes of counseling). Which is the same price my other psychotherapist charges; it is the rate recommended by the local therapists association.

I do not know the procedures are for those who cannot afford that fee.

[Stephenie S]

$50 per hour is fair for you both. If that is too high for you, tell her so and ask for her help.

S

[Stephanie-L]

First, good for you in finding a therapist that looks like a good fit, that can be difficult. As to the fees, others have given amounts, they sound reasonable, but it is what the two of you work out that matters.

I have gone to therapists with Doctorates in psychology, Masters in Nursing, Masters in social work, etc. It really makes much less difference than the rapport you have and their experience in gender issues. The only thing is that if you decide to go for GRS at some point, you need letters from two qualified therapists, but only one needs to have a doctorate, PHD, MD, etc. So if it works, great, I am happy for you..........Stephanie