I was just wondering on average how long it takes a therapist to diagnose someone? Also how long do you have to continue to see them after a diagnosis?  I have no insurance to cover therapy so I'll be paying it all out of pocket. It's got me wondering how much I am going to end up having to pay a therapist?

Your therapist often knows after a session or two. How long you see them after they confirm your diagnosis is pretty much up to you. It can be helpful to know that you have them to talk to when needed even if you don't see them regularly. On the other hand, sometimes you have things to workout and they need to see you more often to do that.

Hey CM...it took only one visit for me from a therapist. .my next appointment is in 3 weeks and at that time she is going to recommend hrt and set me up at the clinic...  She said there had to be 2 meetings to follow WPATH standards.  I also went as a woman which showed my intentions from the start.
the main thing is to be honest with yourself and with your therapist.  They cant tell you what you need to do but they can give some friendly recommendations to help you along the way. .

Well that's good to know cause I really can't afford to see a therapist for a long period of time frequently. I'll do it for as long as I can though just to at least see if it helps with some of the issues I have.

I was diagnosed in 1966 at the age of 16 by Harry Benjamin in New York (yes, THAT Harry Benjamin!). It took less than 30 minutes and I left with a prescription. I don't know how he came to his conclusion so quickly but it was the first validation I had ever had that I was not simply "nuts"!