When it comes to mental health, the number of therapy sessions needed to see results can vary greatly depending on the condition and the individual. Generally speaking, conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may require 15 to 20 sessions for 50% of patients to feel an improvement. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to help people feel better after 10 to 20 sessions. For generalized anxiety disorder, it may take eight to 10 sessions before results are seen.
The type of improvement you can expect in therapy is largely related to the length of therapy sessions. A therapist will evaluate your mental health problems and develop a treatment plan and goals with you. Clients also play a big role in how many sessions they need to progress. Weekly therapy can help speed up recovery, as the topics discussed during the session remain a priority in daily life.
Therapy sessions held once a month tend to slow down progress and prolong the time spent in therapy. To achieve sustainable change, 8 to 12 additional sessions may be necessary. Working with a trusted therapist who is right for you in weekly sessions can achieve noticeable improvements quickly. According to research, some patients (about 30%) may only need about three therapy sessions to achieve valuable benefits for their mental health.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult for many people to find a therapist who is available for weekly sessions, especially if they have insurance, since therapists who take out insurance often have limited availability and long waiting lists.
