Find a mental health therapist<\/a> today to get personalized therapy treatment for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTypical Length of a Therapy Session<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Whether you are seeking treatment in-person or online, you can expect your therapy session to last between 45 to 55 minutes, which is generally referred to in the industry as the \u201ctherapeutic hour.\u201d While in some instances, a therapy session may last longer or shorter than the average timeframe, 45-55 minutes is typical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This therapy session length affords your therapist some much-needed time to decompress after your session and clear their mind in preparation for the next patient. The same courtesy is afforded to you as well when your therapist is meeting with another client beforehand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because therapy is such an involved process, not only for the patient but the therapist as well, this short break is critical to ensuring that your therapist gives you their full, undivided attention and expertise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therapy Intake Session<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Also referred to as an intake session, this is your first session with a potential therapist where they will discuss your history and gather information about the issue or condition you are experiencing. In general, intake sessions will last longer than subsequent sessions, averaging approximately 80 to 90 minutes in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Intake sessions typically blend the beginning stages of treatment, learning more about you and your background through questionnaires, with the logistics of treatment, such as payment and insurance policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After expectations are set, and this intake session has concluded, you can expect your next visit to last the time around the typical 45-50 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Influences Length of Therapy Sessions?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Although the therapy hour has been set industry-wide as the standard procedure, there are a number of factors that may affect this allotted time. You may be able to extend your therapy session length to as long as two to three hours based on severe clinical need or even engage in impromptu shorter sessions in a time of immediate crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the biggest factors that could influence how long therapy sessions last is the type of therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Individual Therapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When you\u2019re meeting with a therapist one-on-one, you can expect to have a therapy session that lasts the typical therapy hour. This time allows for meaningful discussion and the setting of expected goals for next time. You are not going to solve all of your problems in just one lone session, and knowing that there is always another hour next week helps spread out the emotional toll and prevent burnout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Couples Therapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Because there are more people involved, a couples counseling session typically can last anywhere from 75 to 90 minutes. This longer amount of time allows for all parties to get involved in the discussion and for the therapist to provide appropriate feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Group Therapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Group therapy sessions also include a multitude of people, each with their own perspectives and points of view. This type of therapy can range anywhere from 45-90 minutes long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This additional time permits the therapist to engage with all members of the group and to ensure that all topics for discussion have been addressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Intensive Therapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As you may expect, given the name, intensive therapy is more of an immersive approach for those battling serious mental illness or severe substance abuse issues that not only can affect daily life but also may be life-threatening. Intensive therapy is typically nine or more hours of therapy on a weekly basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Intensive therapy is a major commitment for the patient, who will meet with their therapist multiple times a week for several hours each session.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t