I think it is good to give a male a try, so keep looking! I know it is easy to get discouraged... Even without the transference issues, I think sometimes males respect other males more, and a male practitioner won't allow the male patient to get away with c**p. This was the case for my H when we went to couples counseling. It was very helpful that the therapist was a male, since he wouldn't put up with nonsense from my H. He was able to call him on his behavior and get him to take the counseling seriously. That may not apply to you at all, Brian, but it was an issue for my H--he just didn't respect females as much.

I don't like the sounds of Therapist C. I wouldn't go to him. How can he know that he can help a client in sessions every 2 weeks that go on for less than 6 months? It seems like he is pre-judging his clients or thinking very highly of himself (master at "fixing" people).

I pay 100% out of pocket for my therapist. He's worth it. My daughter's T is out of network but my insurance will reimburse for 60% (however we don't file, as she is a minor, and we want to protect her). Will your insurance reimburse at all for out-of-plan providers?

Do you have the names of any more male T's to contact?

Do you have a referral from your doctor? Maybe your doctor knows a good male therapist and can refer you. He could call in advance of you, and recommend you to the T. Sometimes calling on personal favors like this can open doors.

Good luck!