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As with most aspects of therapy, this one is impossible to answer right away. It is important to note you can find therapists who offer a range of scheduling options. Some suggestions:
Length of Session:30-minute session: This is typically for someone who either just wants to have an initial consultation to see if the therapist is "right" for them without getting into too many details, or perhaps it may be a therapist you have an established relationship with and really just want to "check in" from time to time.
45–60-minute sessions: These are the most common. Most insurance plans and therapists offer anywhere from a 45-minute to a 60-minute session. This usually allows for sufficient time to catch up from the previous session, dive in to one or two main concerns, and then wrap up and discuss any "next steps," homework, or action items in scheduling a next session.
90-minute sessions: These are not very common but can be helpful when needing to go over some initial intake information, complete forms or develop goal plans. Extended time may also be appropriate when multiple people are involved, as in a couple's session or parent/child session, to allow sufficient time for all parties.
Length of treatment:Just finding a therapist and scheduling that first session can be a huge milestone. For some people, it is like a wake-up call and the first step they needed to start taking accountability for something.
Unfortunately, many initial sessions are very awkward. The individual may not feel comfortable with a therapist who is a stranger or the therapist may need to ask a lot of background questions to try and understand what is going on. Some people attend a first session and decide not to continue at this time. The awkwardness and fear is too much to deal with.
Most people will begin therapy with one session a week for the first two to three months. This allows for continuity and the individual to feel a connection to the therapist as they go from week to week.
After the first few months, most people find their initial reason for coming to therapy has subsided, improved, or mitigated. At this point, it is up to the individual and therapist to go back and review the progress. Are there still pressing issues that need weekly or perhaps bi-weekly sessions? Some people make those first few changes or address their initial concerns and they feel the need to take a break for a period of time, adjusting to their new thoughts or behaviors.
In some situations, it may be necessary to have sessions up to twice a week. This may be beneficial when a person is undergoing a particularly stressful event. If a person needs therapy more than twice a week for more than a couple of weeks, then they should speak to their therapist about additional support and resources.