Hey,so- I've started up a fundraiser for my surgery which is going well thus far, but I decided to only ask for half the total cost and work at the rest myself.
With the deadline I've set out, I'll already have to save about $330 a month around my normal expenses to hit $3500 in 9 months. After some research, I'm now concerned about if I'll be able to do it by when I want.

I looked into therapy with Melissa at Brand New Day. I read she will generally go ahead with a letter after 6-12 sessions and that's where I'm hung up. If it's 6, about $260. Still cutting things slim but not as bad as the full 12 at around $480.
Is there anyone cheaper? Or even who would be more lenient? I know the point and purpose of WPATH but wonder if there is anyone out there who would give the letter faster given I've been living as generally male except in dangerous or uncomfortable areas since I was 16, so roughly 8 years as of December.

I know insurance would maybe lighten the load,but as I'm waiting to see about benefits at a new job I'm not sure I will have any.

Your therapist isn't really charging too much, and 6-12 sessions are actually legit. But there are many therapists are willing to write you a letter after 1-2 online sessions, if you tell them upfront that all you need is a letter and no therapy. Although these are faster, but no necessarily cheaper, may cost $300-400 total.

I got my top surgery letter in three sessions, at $160 per session from Dr. Carol Clark.  I can't think of anyone cheaper though.

I got mine in less than a month for $280 http://gendertherapist.com/

I'm currently working with Melissa and this week will be my 3rd session. I'd say we're probably about halfway through things she has to talk about to cover things on her end so 6 sessions will probably be fairly accurate. She currently only meets with people bi-weekly, so 6 sessions is 3 months or thereabouts. If you tell her that you're living as male in most of your life, I don't see why she wouldn't keep things on the shorter end.

I got my letter for hormones in about 3 months of bi-weekly sessions, so I think that's pretty normal. My doctor did my release letter for my surgery, but when I asked my therapist about a letter for surgery, she would have been happy to write it at the same time as my T letter. I didn't take her up on it for money reasons.