Choosing a Private Psychologist

Trans Health

How do people go about choosing a private psychologist? I've mainly been looking at what endos they refer to, as I can't be bothered to go all the way to London every ~6 months which essentially narrows it down to GenderCare, Northern Gender Network, and GenderDoctors. As they refer to Dr Leong (The Wirral), Dr Quinton (Newcastle), and Dr Hammond (Leeds). Are there any other important things to look into in psychologists?

Currently I've mainly been looking at Dr Lorimer from GC, Dr Charlton from NGN, and Dr Sahota from GD. Does anyone have any experience with any of these three, any information on wait times and what they're like to talk to would be nice? Should I try making an appointment with multiples psychos and then go based off availability or just stick to one?

Additionally, should I book an endo appointment as soon as I've booked a psych appointment or should I want until I've had the diagnosis?

Posted Feb 14, 2022, 8:38 PM UTC · edited

25
Tracle0•

I spoke to Dr. Lomier recently - for a surgery referral, not HRT, but I can say he’s lovely. Very understanding and seems more flexible on how different people transition. I’d personally look into wait times and accounts of other people on here when deciding.

And I’m not sure on endo appointments, but I’d be tempted to try and book them once you have a confirmed date, so the wait between being referred and getting endo stuff ready is as small as can be x

4
FreyrDevOP•

Thank you for the information

1
Joluxxe•

I'd not think of your psychiatric appointment as leading to a referral to an endocrinologist. You self-refer, and they will expect you to have a formal diagnosis of gender dysphoria (not a Gender GP one), which the psychiatrist will provide.

Book an endo appointment as soon as you know when your psychiatric one will be, to avoid waiting for quite a long time.

Have a search in this sub, you'll find plenty of positive experiences from all you mentioned.

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[deleted]•

[deleted]

2
rigmroll•

Dr Charlton is really really really nice. It feels like she's genuinely listening to you and trying to understand your needs fully. My appointment with her didn't feel like a doctors appointment, it felt much more friendly.

1
  1. you don;t see the Psychologist / Psychiatrist every 6 months, 4 or so years ago Stu Lorimer liked to see peopel for one follow up after initial diagnostic appt aiui he doesn;t 8necessarily ask for that now
  2. the Endocrinology providers have gradually stretched out their review periods periods and for many people 9 or 12 monthly review appts are the norm as long as you are keeping up to date with blood tests etc and nothing problematic is identified
  3. Once you have a confirmed date for your Diagnostic appointment consider approachign the Endocrinology provider
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