I am considering talking to a phycologists about GID in hopes of getting HRT. But, I have some questions/concerns.
- I am shy when it comes to new people, how do phycologist usually react to this subject when it is first "brought up"?
- What is the diagnosing process for GID like these days?
- How much can I expect to spend on HRT with insurance?
- Does insurence cover HRT?
Also, If you think there is anything I need to know, don't be afraid to tell me!
Last edited by MentalCookie; 04-05-2015 at 11:18 PM. Reason: phyciatrist -> phycologist
1. I didn't see a psychiatrist, but I did see a psychologist (gender therapist). Gender therapy is her job, and she had no reaction at all except to ask me how I wanted to be referred to. When i said I had no preference she said "Then I'll call you Eryn."
2. Diagnosis varies widely. For me I already knew I was TG, but I wanted help with exploring where I was going. The process consists of a lot of talking, hopefully fairly focused on what one is doing and wants to do.
3. With insurance, it will be whatever co-payments are normally demanded of you for doctor visits and prescriptions.
4. It depends upon where you are and your insurance plan. Here in California, all group plans must cover gender therapy including medication. In other states it may be specifically excluded as it was here before the law was changed.
Eryn
"These girls have the most beautiful dresses. And so do I! How about that!" [Kaylee, in Firefly] [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
"What do you care what other people think?" [Arlene Feynman, to her husband Richard]
"She's taller than all the women in my family, combined!" [Howard, in The Big Bang Theory]
"Tall, tall girl. The woman could hunt geese with a rake!" [Mary Cooper, in The Big Bang Theory]
I can understand the shy part and here is what I would do. Find a psychologist within your area who has experience with GID. Make an appointment. Then go to the appointment. This will be the tough part, but you will feel relieved. Go.
The psychologists and councillors are trained to help people like you who are shy. If they are good they will build up rapport and then you will feel more comfortable. Just doing a quick googl search you can find a bunch of therapist located in your area. Send them a email and tell them why you would like to come. That breaks the ice right there. Remember what you tell a therapist is confidential unless it is needed by the courts.
Feel free to shoot me a message, but there are a ton of resources online that should be able to answer questions for you. Although there may be differing opinions, and routes, it is best to go at your own pace.
For me, the tough part wasn't the therapist, it was talking to my GP from whom I needed a referral to the endo. Luckily, she was enthusiastic and had no problem with it. I did have to do a bit of education with her as her assumption was that every person with GD is on the surgery track. Still it went smoother than I expected.
Eryn
"These girls have the most beautiful dresses. And so do I! How about that!" [Kaylee, in Firefly] [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
"What do you care what other people think?" [Arlene Feynman, to her husband Richard]
"She's taller than all the women in my family, combined!" [Howard, in The Big Bang Theory]
"Tall, tall girl. The woman could hunt geese with a rake!" [Mary Cooper, in The Big Bang Theory]
Are you a member / have attended a local support group MC? If so they will often know the names of GP's and Counsellors / Psychs with experience in GD.
I must say I never thought that finding an "accepting" and knowledgable GP and / specialists in psych and endo should be such a big deal. I mean they SHOULD be there to help you have the best quality life you can. Maybe having had a fair bit of experience with the medical profession (my mum was a very experienced nurse and I just about grew up in top end hospitals in Australia) and also having paramedical type experience in my profession (veterinary science) I had no fear of doctors and half the time tend to turn up having a rough idea of what I need / want (I need a referral to X or Y).
HOWEVER my wife recently met a lady who had essentially been abused by the medical system. This woman was born intersex (from what I can gather she was true hermaphrodite) and had suffered for years, first being basically ignored by doctors when she told them she didn't feel right, through to being prescribed and given hormone injections (testosterone) against her will by specialist endocrinologist and psychiatrists! This woman had gone through hell. What was amazing is that she was attending a seminar for partners of Trans individuals because her partner had just come out to her as identifying as MTF Trans. You might think and even forgive her for feeing that her partner had no idea how much she suffered, he is being silly, selfish etc. but no, she was worried that her partner might have to suffer all of the problems she suffered and she couldn't bear to see that happen to someone else!
The reason for telling this story is that I think it is vital that you talk to professionals who have experience in this field. You would have thought with the limited number of endocrinologists out there that they should ALL have experience in GD but that is not always the case. Get some advice and guidance from local individuals who have been there and done that so to speak.
Best wishes
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