This therapist I believe sees kids and is trans affirming: vencescounseling.com

I saw her as a client and she's wonderful. Trauma oriented and does good somatic work and EMDR as well.

Youth Outlook has free programming/support groups in the area for kids and teens.

I'm a trans affirming therapist in Palatine but I only see adults so I could see the parent as a client. Currently have a short waitlist. Feel free to DM me if you'd like my information for the parent.

I CACKLED

I literally messaged my fellow Play Friend @kathrynweller.bsky.social when the video started "HORNET! WHEN'S YOUR GAME COMING OUT" in Dan font.

A couple resources:

Standards of Care 8 | WPATH share.google/ohCQ5qdzgt3Q...

Trans Bodies, Trans Selves : A Resource for the Transgender Community used book by Laura Erickson-Schroth: 9780199325351 share.google/KPXkqo3Fhlu2...

The Gender Dysphoria Bible: share.google/KfKkixqCvk8t...

9/9

My credentials/experience

Trans/queer Licensed Professional Counselor (2 yrs) with 45% of caseload being trans

Specialized, repeated training on WPATH Standards of Care 7&8 gender affirming care letter writing

My direct supervisor (LCSW) is trans and has over 10 yrs exp in trans care
8/

Here's the thing.

MHP are dedicated to social change and progressivism. It's inherent in our profession.

MHP are also human and full of bias, but MHP should not be defensive. Try to tell them when you're upset or bothered by something they do/say.

Feel free to DM me with any questions!
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IMPORTANT ADVOCACY INFO 4:

-Its ok if you dont know the answers to these questions which partly are there to give an opp for MHP to provide ppl with info

-ask the MHP about their training & exp with gender affirming care

-If you dont like them for *any reason* ask them for referrals!

6/

IMPORTANT ADVOCACY INFO 3:

The MHP will likely ask you questions about:

- what you know about the surgery/recovery
- your exp with gender dysphoria
- your exp with being affirmed
- impact of surgery on fertility/sex life/work/etc
- who will care for you & how you'll get to and from surgery

5/

IMPORTANT ADVOCACY INFO 2:

MHP letters should not be denied unless in extreme circumstances. Providing these letters is an important process to increase accessibility to gender affirming, life saving care. The requirements themselves are a form of gatekeeping.

4/

IMPORTANT ADVOCACY INFO:

- the MHP should NOT require you to attend therapy with them
- assessment for the letter should only be one hour and should not be more than one session
- it is my professional opinion that these letters should be done free of charge - MHP can bill insurance for it

3/

LIMITATIONS:

- letters good for one year
- MHPs should be trained in WPATH standards
- some surgeons/insurance companies have specific requirements and those entities should provide those

2/

NUMBER OF LETTERS

- most surgeries: 1 from medical professional, 1 from any licensed master's level or higher (e.g. MA, MS, MEd, PhD, PsyD, etc) mental health professional (MHP)

- bottom surgery: 2 from MHP (one at doctoral level), 1 from medical
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✊🏻
Thanks for the boost always !

🔥