How Often Should I Go to Counseling?

When people come to therapy, most are uncertain about what to expect. Many people think they’ll be going to counseling every week like they’ve seen in the movies or based on their past counseling experiences.

Others might perceive therapy as a “come whenever you want to talk” kind of thing – the idea they can book ad-hoc sessions whenever the urge strikes. How often should you see a psychologist? The number of times per week or month that you see a psychologist can vary widely, as many people know.

Insurance companies have historically expected people to attend therapy sessions once a week, a manageable number of visits for many individuals to incorporate into their lives.

Nonetheless, science and the development of treatment modalities have proven that the number of therapy sessions per month should be versatile to suit everyone’s needs. In this piece, we’ll explore the question of how much therapy the average person should attend and cover several essential elements that must be factored into determining the best possible therapy frequency.

Healthy Families offers proven counseling services, personally designed to meet individual needs, at our counseling office located near I-25 and Menaul Boulevard, as well as one in Rio Rancho.

We follow evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It is highly effective in helping individuals achieve their therapeutic goals. Here, we will discuss key factors that affect how frequently someone attends therapy to help inform your treatment decision.

Appointment Frequency While Establishing the Therapeutic Relationship

Building a solid, trusting relationship between the client and therapist is a core component of therapy.

This first rapport-building session is a haven for growth-promoting counseling. Here at Healthy Families, we pay close attention to this key piece as we understand the significant impact it has on the entire therapeutic process.

Treatment typically involves meeting with your therapist every week. This regular schedule does one thing and one thing only: it supports a strong therapeutic relationship.

Here at Healthy Families, we have achieved great success by implementing this structure, which is why most of our new clients participate in weekly sessions for the first two months, regardless of their level of need.

But you may be wondering, “Is therapy something I have to do every week?” It’s a complex question with many answers, depending on various factors, but here’s why the recommendation is to see a therapist at least once a week when you start treatment. Therapy is a collaborative endeavor, and the therapeutic relationship serves as the foundation for this partnership. It’s only through these regular meetings that you and your therapist get to know one another better, build trust, and develop rapport.

The strong connection allows your therapist to gain a comprehensive understanding of your world, struggles, and goals. It is also a chance for you to become familiar with the process and techniques to be used during your treatment. Weekly sessions with me provide a safe and supportive space for you to process your thoughts, feelings, and worries.

When people come to therapy less frequently at the beginning, it's hard to build a strong therapeutic relationship. Without this foundation, achieving significant success in your recovery goals may be more challenging. What we have observed is that clients who can follow weekly sessions later tend to do better and have a smoother treatment process.

The therapy relationship isn’t only about following the rules of attendance but works much better if it’s built on mutual trust, understanding, and cooperation. As your relationship with your therapist deepens, you might not require weekly sessions as frequently. This decision usually occurs when both you and your therapist agree that you have made sufficient progress and are ready to see them less often.

At Healthy Families Albuquerque, our role is to support and guide you toward your therapeutic goals. If you keep or don’t keep your appointment every week, it's up to you; our dedication and the intensity of the therapeutic relationship remain unchanged. We are here to assist you on your counseling journey, customizing our approach to fit your unique goals and preferences.

How Many Therapy Sessions per Week Is Normal?

The number of therapy sessions can vary considerably depending on individual requirements and the type of therapy. It has been the term for the standard therapy appointment, which, for many people, is once a week. However, it’s essential to note that no single format fits all when it comes to how often you should see a therapist.

Ultimately, therapy is about meeting the unique needs and demands of every client. Weekly sessions remain the standard, but some treatment modalities now recommend more frequent sessions.

On a case-by-case basis, people with post-traumatic stress disorder could derive a benefit when going to therapy twice a week or even more frequently.  Ultimately, frequency selection varies for the therapist, depending on several factors, including the client’s condition, treatment modality, and individual requirements.

Occasionally, those undergoing treatment for PTSD may need an even higher level of care. At Healthy Families Albuquerque, they provide trauma-intensive services, where clients are seen once or twice daily for one to two weeks. This intensive intervention can initiate the recovery process and give people the help they need during a challenging time.

On the other hand, one example of greater frequency use might involve an adolescent recently discharged from a psychiatric hospital following suicidal ideation; here, we might recommend a greater frequency of sessions. This comprehensive treatment plan typically consists of three appointments per week: one hour of individual psychotherapy, one hour of family therapy, and one hour of skills coaching.

By providing wraparound support, this robust system aims to enhance the ease of transition from hospital to home and reduce the likelihood of relapse. It may not be much comfort, but it is something critical to help a teen be successful and go on to have better mental health after being discharged from the hospital, living with hope and purpose.

On the other hand, some clients may opt to see therapy less often. Several of our clients who are stable with their suicidal ideation managed, reduced self-harm, and able to function do it fortnightly. At times, there are clients who prefer to meet less frequently (every 2-4 weeks) but for more extended periods. These are 90-minute sessions that offer an opportunity to delve more deeply into their issues and foster longer-term personal development and mental well-being.

The client and the therapist will decide on the number of therapy sessions per week. It pays attention to the individual needs of the client and the treatments used. We value personalized care and support at Healthy Families and strive to provide clients with the level of care they need for their well-being and therapy process.