TransParent Therapy & Support Group

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Why are you offering this group?

I've been practicing as a clinical counselor since the mid 1990s. Although I knew a few trans individuals back then, they lived their truth mostly in the shadows. Their very survival depended upon two things--their ability to pass as their identified gender, and the compassion of those who loved them. Recent transformations in gender norms have emancipated individuals who would have otherwise been imprisoned by prescriptive gender norms. Parents who have children who identify as trans have a challenge that few others can comprehend. While there are a growing number of therapists who can support these parents, the power of mutual empathy that comes from shared lived experience is likely to be the best therapy there is. 

Why offer this group now?

This group has been percolating in my mind for about three years. The need for a therapeutic group in which parents, grandparents, and guardians of trans kids could connect in meaningful ways and learn from each other's  experience has been present since I met my first parent of a trans child in 2021. As more parents came forward, I felt the need to connect these parents grow more urgent. I struggled with how to structure this group so that it both hit the mark therapeutically and honored the growing expertise of those involved in the struggle. 

When does this whole thing get started?

The TransParent Therapy and Support Group will launch on a Saturday morning in February 2024 (date, time, and location TBD). The group will have an initial meeting together in-person, but the remaining sessions will be virtual. In that first group session, the group members will get to know each other a little, and then go about the task of making many of the logistical and structural decisions for the group. 

Will my insurance pay?

Group therapy (CPT code 90853) is covered by most insurance companies. Please check with your insurance company's member services hotline to verify that they will pay for group therapy (again, that is CPT service code 90853), and if so, how many sessions they will cover, and what your portion of the bill will be.  As a credentialed provider with many insurance companies, I am contractually required to accept what the insurance company determines to be the "allowable rate." For most insurance companies, the allowable rate for group therapy (90853) is roughly $40 per session. If your insurance company does not pay for group therapy, or if I am not a credentialed provider on your plan, I will accept $40 per session and issue you a full receipt that you can use if you want to see if your insurance company will reimburse you. If $40 is beyond your budget, reach out to me privately and we'll work something out.

How do I get involved?

If you or someone you know is a parent of a trans child, regardless of the child's age, and you would like to join this journey, click on the link below and I'll make sure you are invited to the opening decision-making session.  You do not have to commit to joining the group if you show up for the opening in-person session. But there will be a moment when all attendees will need to make a final decision to join or pass.

I think I'm in. What's my next step?

The link on the right of this page and it will bring you to a Release of Information (ROI) form that will allow me to send all interested parties an invitation to an online poll. We will use this poll to set the date, time, and location. If you have any questions, reach out to me by email at matt@inertiacounseling.com or by text message at 301-741-3464.  

Check back here for additional information after the date, time, and location for the opening session are decided.