I think it varies with/without insurance and by your state. For example, I am in Maryland and my insurance/state requires at least 6 months of documented weight management doctors visits and like a host of pre-check screenings (ekg, cardiogram, labs, seminars, mental counseling). I think this differs state to state and insurance to insurance. I just started but she told me that before we talk dates that we would see each other 6 times. Good luck on your journey.