Some FTMs go through "gender programs" that follow the Harry Benjamin Standards of Care (SOC), while other FTMs choose either to find a doctor who will prescribe hormones, or go through a therapist who doesn't follow the Benjamin SOC. Either choice is just that--a choice--a personal choice. The important thing is that we get respectful, educated, propper medical care by physicians who know what they are doing and can maintain a high level of professionalism and medical expertise.
For a fairly complete listing of therapists and gender programs in North America, check out IFGE's North American Support Group List. This list includes both social support groups, as well as therapists. For an International listing, check out IFGE's International TG Resource Guide.
Since many physicians don't regularly prescribe testosterone for people assigned female at birth, many FTMs become informed "consumers" prior to seeing their doctor. While medical journals and the Physicians Desk Reference (PDR) are usually informative for most drugs, only a few articles address the effects of testosterone in a female-born body. Many FTMs find it comforting and educational to network with other FTMs, find out what they experienced in terms of positive and negative (side) effects.
Local FTM groups (and sometimes even general--mixed-- MTF/FTM transgender groups) can offer a lot of social support and first-hand information.
Email lists such as MTMInfo and FTMOLInfo can offer a lot of insight into the effects of hormones, surgery, as well as giving social support and shared experiences.