How Often Should You See a Psychotherapist?

Deciding on the frequency of your psychotherapy sessions can be a bit daunting, especially when you're just starting. This decision should be made in collaboration with your therapist, rather than on your own. In a perfect world, therapy sessions would be frequent and accessible without financial constraints, but in reality, circumstances like the high cost of therapy in places like the USA can influence this decision.

Typical Therapy Frequencies

The most common frequencies for psychotherapy sessions are once a week, every two weeks, or once a month. The frequency depends on the type of therapy, your specific needs, the severity of your symptoms, and your progress. Your therapist is the best person to provide tailored guidance. They may recommend one of these frequencies or a combination of them.

For instance, in my last run of therapy, we started with weekly sessions. As we approached our goals, the sessions became less frequent, transitioning to every two weeks, and ultimately, every month for the last three months. While this may not be the standard, it is a good example of how therapy sessions can be tapered off gradually.

Factors Influencing Frequency

Several factors influence the frequency of your therapy visits. These include the severity of your symptoms, the presenting problem, your history, your budget, and your availability. If you're paying for therapy out of your own pocket, you'll need to consider your financial situation. If you have insurance, your therapist may have more flexibility. The availability of your therapist and the time you have to fit sessions into your schedule are also important.

Open Communication

There is no need to limit your therapy sessions to specific times. If you have pressing issues that you want to discuss but don't feel comfortable sharing with family or friends, therapy provides a safe space to voice these concerns. Your therapist will create a comfortable environment where you can express yourself freely and honestly. This is why it's crucial to communicate openly with your therapist about any issues you're facing.

Initial Sessions and Continued Frequency

At the start of your therapy, your sessions may be more frequent to address immediate needs. If you have recently experienced a loss or trauma, such as bereavement or a traumatic event, your therapist may recommend seeing you more often, perhaps twice a week. Once you have had your initial session, you can discuss the frequency of your sessions with your therapist. Regularly checking in with them about your progress and comfort level with the session frequency is key to optimizing your mental health support.

Adjusting Frequency

Your need for therapy can change as you progress through your sessions. Some clients may see their therapist once a month, while others may have sessions every two weeks or weekly. Some rare cases may even involve seeing a therapist twice a week or even every two days. The frequency of your sessions should be a collaborative decision made between you and your therapist. If you feel that the frequency is not adequate, you can discuss this with your therapist.

Your therapist is there to support you and help you reach your goals. Regular communication about your needs and progress is essential. By working closely with your therapist, you can create a treatment plan that meets your specific needs, whether that means more frequent sessions, less frequent sessions, or a combination of both.