I realize I did not answer all of your questions.
I left 12-step recovery, though at first my therapist would have preferred me to stay. Later though, he realized that I was doing better without it. For me, I needed more one-on-one and less tough love than you get in the fellowships.
It helped me a great deal. My therapist moved to another city, so I am currently looking for someone else.
Most therapists work on a sliding scale, so the price of sessions can vary greatly.