Mental health issues can weigh on you like a heavy burden; the longer you carry the load, the harder it can become to move through everyday life. Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, deep-seated trauma, chronic stress, burnout, or more severe psychiatric symptoms, talking to a professional can make a world of difference. Therapy offers a safe space to unpack that weight and regain your balance—but committing to the process takes time. How long does therapy take, exactly? The answer depends on many factors, including your individual circumstances, the type of therapy you receive, and how often you receive it.
Let’s explore what influences the length of therapy and other forms of mental health treatment—and what you can expect along the way.
Mental health therapy and treatment overview
Before we dive into the length of therapy, it’s important to first establish what we’re talking about.
Therapy, formally known as psychotherapy or talk therapy, is a form of mental health treatment that helps people understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Therapy helps clients to uncover the root of their mental health struggles and develop healthy mechanisms to cope.
There are many different types of mental health therapy. Typically, though, it’s a collaborative process between a trained professional (such as a clinical psychologist or social worker) and the client in need. These individuals work together to identify issues, set realistic goals, and establish strategies for healing and growth. For example, therapy may help a person manage symptoms of depression, navigate major life changes, re-build broken relationships, or overcome trauma and grief. (Learn more here.)
Therapy is a core branch of mental health treatment. It can come in the form of behavioral therapy (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT), group therapy, family therapy, trauma-informed therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and other methods. Depending on the type of therapy, and the setting in which it’s provided, therapy may be delivered weekly or bi-weekly, over the course of many months.
How long is a therapy session?
The length of a therapy session can depend on many factors, including the provider, the type of therapy provided, as well as the clients’ level of need. On average, though, therapy sessions last between 45 and 60 minutes—with research suggesting 50 minutes as the sweet spot for traditional, talk therapy.
Of course, some types of therapy (and client cases) require longer and more in-depth sessions. Cognitive processing therapy, for example, is a type of trauma-informed therapy for PTSD that lasts between 60 to 90 minutes per session. Group therapy, more generally, tends to fall within this timeframe as well.
How often should you see a therapist?
The frequency of therapy sessions will also vary by each individual case, as well as the provider, approach, and treatment setting. If you have more severe mental health symptoms, for example, or are in a residential treatment program, you might be receiving therapy multiple times per week. On the other hand, if you’re experiencing mild symptoms of anxiety, stress, or other mental health issues, you may benefit from weekly talk therapy sessions (online or in-person).
The cadence of your therapy sessions will be determined by you and your therapist. It can also be adjusted as you go. For example, if you’re going through a big transition or struggling with a crisis, you might need more frequent therapy sessions. After some time, and as symptoms improve, you can get into more of a “maintenance mode,” with therapy sessions more spread out.
Typically for people just starting mental health therapy, it’s delivered weekly or bi-weekly, with weekly being preferred in the early periods. Those in inpatient settings may receive therapy more frequently, depending on their treatment plan and goals.
How long will I be in therapy?
The time you commit to therapy will depend on your goals, personal preferences, and recommendations from your provider. The length will also depend on the type of therapy you are receiving.
For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and trauma-informed therapy like EMDR are typically provided over the course of several months (3 to 9 months, depending on the individual’s needs). Other types of therapy, such as psychodynamic therapy, can last for several years.
Most mental health conditions respond well to several months in therapy: anxiety disorders, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and mild depression are some examples. More severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and long-lasting mental disorders (one year or more) typically require longer stretches of treatment.
In any case, though, it’s important to note that these are not hard-and-fast rules. Just because a condition responds well to several months in treatment, does not mean that treatment should end. Most people attend therapy for years, in order to maintain their progress and supportive relationship. As noted previously, the frequency of therapy sessions can be adjusted once hitting maintenance mode—some move to bi-weekly or monthly sessions as symptoms improve.
How long does therapy take to work?
Mental health conditions are complex, and no two experiences are the same. With that in mind, there is not one set duration or length of therapy that’s been proven to work. It all depends on the individual.
Of course, we know why you’re asking questions like, “When does therapy start working?” – You want to see results, feel happier, and heal. And the good news is, it should happen pretty quickly. Research shows that most people start to see results soon after starting therapy. As cited by the American Psychological Association (APA):
- On average, 50% of people will start to feel better after 15 to 20 therapy sessions
- Certain types of therapy have proven to be effective in less time (12 to 16 weekly sessions)
It’s important to remember that these are just average lengths, and every person is unique. More complex mental health disorders will require more in-depth treatment—sometimes in an inpatient setting, where there is constant access to therapy, clinical care, and support. The APA explains:
- 20 to 30 weekly sessions, over the course of 6+ months, is often preferred by providers to feel confident in their clients’ progress
- People with co-occurring mental health conditions or certain personality differences may require longer treatment (12 to 18 months) for therapy to be “effective”
- Individuals with chronic conditions, lasting one year or longer, may require lengthier and more extensive mental health treatment
How long should you stay in therapy?
At the end of the day, how long you go to therapy will depend on personal factors. You may decide you want to conclude therapy once you’ve met certain goals. Or, you may wish to continue therapy for years, in order to prevent future mental breakdowns. The length of treatment should be an ongoing and open-ended dialogue between you and your therapist.
If you’re just starting therapy, or wondering if it’s time to make a change, we will leave you with this: Therapy is a long-term commitment. Whether it takes months or years, it’s important to stick with therapy until you feel like you’ve accomplished your goals. Studies show that one in five people (20%) drop out of therapy prematurely, and do not get the treatment they need. If you’ve found yourself tempted to do the same, consider finding another therapist.
You deserve to feel heard by, and safe with, your therapist, at every phase of your journey. If you feel your connection with your therapist has fizzled, or you don’t feel like you’re making progress, do not hesitate to find someone new. Almost half of people in therapy try two or more therapists before landing on the “right” one. The right fit for you is out there; recovery is within your reach.
If you’re looking for mental health treatment and are unsure where to begin, you can always call Turnbridge for guidance. Turnbridge offers mental health treatment programs to young men, young women, and teenagers struggling. Call us at 877-581-1793 to speak with a specialist.