Gender Specialist near me & online. The Best Transgender specialists for Gender Dysphoria available.
Therapy is recommended for a lot of people. In problems big and small, talking over issues and receiving professional guidance can help you face the day more positively, aid your self-esteem and relinquish the self-doubt that may be getting in the way of you living a happy fruitful life.
If you’re dealing with issues regarding your gender identity, feelings of confusion and unhappiness because of it, it might help to look for a qualified gender dysphoria specialist.
✔️ Too busy for the full read?
Here at ANZPath we highly recommend using Pride Counseling for LGBTQ+ Therapy Services. There you’ll be matched with the best transgender therapist online that suits you.
It’s convenient, affordable and most of all, they have some of the most skilled gender therapists online.
Fill out this questionnaire at Pride Counseling to get matched with a therapist.
How can I look for a gender specialist near me?
Finding a capable therapist can be a long process, and opening up to someone new can be difficult for all of us.
It’s also upsetting that LGBTQ+ people can be treated with additional stigma in society, but confiding in someone who will look at your situation objectively and without prejudice is a good way to start.
It’s fortunate that we no longer have to look inside our communities for a qualified gender dysphoria specialist. If you’re living in a small town, or simply value that extra level of non-invasiveness, you now have the option of looking online.
Is it worth looking for a transgender specialist near me?
Yes – we’d recommend any kind of therapy from an approved mental health professional, although you may consider that an in-person appointment could limit your ability to get help as and when you need it.
If you’re wondering how to find a gender specialist – you’ll be encouraged by the fact that many qualified mental health professionals now offer their services online, including those who specialize in areas such as gender dysphoria and other LGBTQ+ issues.
Why may I need to find a gender specialist near me or online?
If you find that your gender identity is causing you unease or distress, this may be because of gender dysphoria.
Our gender identity refers to the sense of who we are and how we see ourselves, and when this identity comes into conflict with the biological sex we were assigned at birth, this can lead to feelings of discontentment and confusion. Psychiatrists refer to this as gender dysphoria.
It’s common for these feelings to emerge or intensify during puberty, as our body develops in a way that doesn’t reflect our gender identity.
Talking to a qualified mental health professional can help to clear up any questions you might have, and help you to understand your gender identity in a way that makes you feel more comfortable in your own skin.
You may find that talking to a therapist online is an easier, less invasive way to talk about these issues, especially if you are an environment where you fear you may be stigmatized.
What does a gender specialist near me or online do? How is it different from speaking to a transgender specialist near me or online?
There are many options for therapy out there, but when dealing with issues of gender identity, it’s best to go for someone who has a deeper understanding of the complexity of the problems you may be facing.
What is a transgender therapist?
While they work in similar fields, a gender specialist is different from a transgender therapist.
While both are mental health professionals who specialize in issues to do with gender, a transgender therapist typically assists Trans men and women, or people who have come to terms with their gender identity and are identifying as such. They will often have a long history of working with transgender clients and they may not necessarily be transgender themselves.
If you identify as a transgender man or woman and are dealing with other mental health issues outside of your gender identity including depression and anxiety, it might be worth contacting a transgender/gender non-conforming therapist as they will better understand your situation. Yet another category is so called ROGD therapists.
What is a gender specialist?
We know that gender is a complex part of our identities and doesn’t subscribe to a genetic or social binary.
A gender specialist is someone with a vast array of knowledge on gender issues and will have an understanding of the day-to-day difficulties people coming to terms with their gender may face, including those of transphobia.
They will be able to explain and assist you with issues such as gender dysphoria and gender nonconformity and be able to provide you with help if you are looking to transition.
If you are unsure of your gender or feeling confused about your gender identity, a gender specialist is the type of mental health professional you should look out for.
They will be frequently consulting with other gender specialists, as the field of study around our gender identities grows larger.
What Questions Should I Ask a Potential Therapist?
We all find it difficult to express ourselves sometimes, and talking directly about your issues and needs can be a challenge, especially if you’re prone to overthinking, or having difficulty navigating your emotions at what can be a confusing point in your life.
That’s why we’ve compiled some questions that you can ask your therapist – questions that a gender specialist should have the answers to.
1. Are you willing to talk to my parents and family members, and how can you explain to them what I am going through?
Gender non-conformity is a complex topic for anyone to grasp, and how you express your identity may result in negative reactions from family members, as a result of ignorance, transphobia or a mixture of the two. It’s your therapist’s job to be able to temper these negative reactions, keeping you safe and comfortable in the process.
Hopefully, it comes to a point where your family is willing to learn about these issues, and your therapist should also have access to materials that can help to educate them, as well as provide you with guidance on how you can open up communication between you and your family members.
2. What are some ways I can deal with transphobia?
Transphobia is an unfortunate and enduring form of prejudice that permeates our society. Although increased transgender visibility and LGBTQ+ pride movements and charities are helping many transgender/gender non-conforming individuals become more comfortable in their own skin, transgender people are more likely to be victimized than cisgender people.
You should not have to hide who you are, however, and your therapist will give you guidance on how to express yourself in a way which keeps you comfortable and safe.
For transgender people/gender non-conforming people in the UK, Mermaids is a non-profit advocacy group that provides assistance and support, as well as diversity training to help people better understand the difficulties transgender people may face.
Stonewall is also a UK based charity and the largest LGBT rights organization in Europe, who have helped to spearhead a series of successful campaigns that have improved the rights of queer and gender non-conforming people across the country.
In the United States, the National Center for Transgender Equality is an advocacy group that helps promote positive change in areas of policy and law. Planned Parenthood also has resources to help you learn about gender identity and transgender issues.
3. Can you help me to transition? How can I get the right medical services for me?
There are many medical procedures that can help someone to transition. Your therapist should be able to speak to you knowledgably about hormones, hormone replacement therapy and which prescriptions will provide the right treatment for you.
They should also be aware of the various surgeries that transgender people can receive, and help you to navigate your healthcare system if you believe that surgical procedures are right for you.
4. Can you speak to me about anti-discrimination policies? Can you help me find out whether my employer will assist me in transition, or provide me with other assistance that helps me to feel more comfortable in a work environment?
Your therapist will be knowledgeable on issues regarding anti-discrimination in a workplace environment and be able to help you with resources for companies that can pay for surgeries that will help you to transition, or offer health insurance plans that offer gender affirming medical intervention.
They should also be knowledgeable about the various changing laws and policies that pertain to transgender rights, and provide you with assistance in filling out forms and navigating complex documents.
They should also be able to speak to your employer about your situation, if you deem it necessary, and be able to educate them on transgender issues.
What is The Best Service for Finding a Gender Specialist?
Pride Counseling is one of the best services available for connecting to you to gender specialists. They also offer general mental health support for LGBTQ+ people, taking an inclusive and accessible approach, with mental health professionals that have a wealth of experience in this field, and may be better tailored to deal with the specific issues that queer and gender non-conforming people face.
If you are in a crisis, or you or someone you know is in danger: these resources can provide you with immediate help.
Why Pride Counseling may be the best service for your online therapy.
Pride counseling believes that quality mental health support should be accessible to everyone. LGBTQ+ people are disproportionately more likely to deal with mental health issues, which can be exacerbated by societal stigma.
For some people, a means of discreet and convenient counseling is the best way to get support. Their platform is available on both the App Store and Google Play – and you’ll be able to message your therapist whenever an issue arises.
How it works
Pride counseling is designed to quickly match you with the right online therapist. They have a simple three-step process to get you the help you need quickly and within your schedule.
Select ‘Get Started’ and you’ll be met with a short questionnaire that will allow you to provide some background information about the issues you’d like to deal with in therapy.
Their approach is unprejudiced and accepting. You’ll be asked how you identify, and their options go beyond the binary.
If you don’t know, or you’d prefer not to say, there are options for that too. You’ll have plenty of options reflecting the spectrum of our sexual orientations as well – it’s important to note that your gender identity is different from your sexual preference, and it’s completely normal for transgender and nonconforming people to be affirmed in their sexual orientation but not their gender identity.
During the process you’ll be met with helpful tips and information that will illuminate just how common mental health issues are, and that there are only positives of seeking help with a mental health professional. You’ll also find plenty of reviews from users who found that Pride Counseling helped them.
Pricing
Therapy as a whole has become more affordable, but you may have looked into other services and found that the price is too high. Online therapy has some benefits in this regard and can offer you help as and when you need it.
- You’ll be able to search from a wider pool of therapists – if prices are high near you, you can go outside your area to find a therapist that’s more affordable.
- You’ll pay per session. Some therapists charge over long periods of time, which means those who are busy and have to skip or miss a session may get charged. Online therapists can charge by the appointment, so you’ll know you’ve got your money’s worth.
- You won’t have to pay for travel. Getting to and from an in person appointment can add an extra financial strain – with online therapy you can reach out to a mental health professional from wherever you like.
I hope this article has helped you answer some questions you might have been considering, and has guided you to resources that can inspire you to get the help you may need to live a happier, more fruitful life.
Pride Counseling is one of the best services offering online therapy available – but whatever path you choose, we wish you luck and success in your journey towards expressing yourself more fully and becoming more comfortable in your own skin.