How Long Do People Usually Stay in Therapy?

by Becca Barcom, LCPC

Everyone is curious at one point or another, “how long will this take to get better?” You’ve found a therapist, have been meeting for sessions, and have put work and time into yourself. It’s only normal to wonder when you will start to feel better, and how long therapy will last for you. The honest answer is: it depends. While most aspects of therapy are data driven and evidence-based, there is no formula or concrete number to give a satisfying answer. What we know so far is that there are multiple considerations and factors that go into treatment planning and length of treatment. 

The most common variables often discussed are frequency and duration. Frequency refers to how often you will be attending sessions. There are a variety of options such as weekly, biweekly, monthly, etc. The frequency of therapy sessions is often fluid and can change as needs and logistics change in someone’s life. There is some research that shows that increased frequency can have more positive therapeutic outcomes. Duration is often the unknown variable. Duration is the time that something is occurring. Will therapy continue for 6 months, 1 year, or a couple of years? This question becomes more difficult to answer due to how unique each individual is. 

There are several other factors that can impact the frequency and duration of treatment:

● Logistical – This factor entails details surrounding access to care. Is your job flexible for you to make appointments? Do you have insurance or financial support for appointments? Is there access to transportation or the internet to attend appointments?

● External – External factors explore one’s life outside of the counseling room. How much free time do you have to explore or practice therapeutic skills? What other life variables take up mental space?

● Internal therapeutic – Internal therapeutic factors involve what one’s mind and body does inside of the counseling room. At times, our nervous systems may protect us in variou sways such as shutting us down, or showing disinterest in therapy even if we really want to be there and want it to work. How much time does your system need to feel comfortable enough in the therapy room? What helps your system to navigate and regulate in the counseling space?

● Acute nature – This factor discusses the nature of what you are going through and why you are attending therapy. An acute nature may involve present-day experiences of new stressors that have not been present at other times in one’s life.

● Chronic nature – These are symptoms or stressors that may depict patterns or experiences that have been with a person for many years or decades. These factors can be helpful to reflect on and explore with your therapist when discussing the frequency and duration of therapy that one may want or need. It can be helpful to work with your therapist to meet as often as logistics and other factors allow for. When we are able to experience something more frequently and repeatedly, our systems can often adjust and change more quickly and with greater comfort. Similarly, if one has many chronic experiences and patterns, it is not uncommon to want or need therapy for several years, whereas an acute experience may be able to be explored and resolved slightly faster. 

Lastly, some folks prefer what therapists call “maintenance therapy” after some time has passed. Maintenance therapy is often a touchstone experience of therapy that happens at a more spaced-out timeframe once a person is feeling present, regulated, and settled. Maintenance therapy can be helpful to continue connecting to healing and ensure that our system continues to feel supported. Overall, it is important that as a client you feel comfortable and supported in exploring what frequency and duration feels best for you and your treatment goals.

Div.12, A. (n.d.). How long will it take for treatment to work?. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/length-treatment