Major depression is one of the most common mental health disorders, having affected 18.5% of Americans at some point in their lives. Because it is a complex condition that affects each person differently, a common question about therapy for depression is, “How long will it take?”

There is no one-size-fits-all duration for therapy for depression. However, there are factors that will influence how long treatment takes. These factors include the severity of symptoms, the type of therapy, the session frequency, and an individual’s level of participation. The severity of symptoms has the most significant impact on treatment duration.

Factors That Influence the Duration of Therapy for Depression

The purpose of psychotherapy is to offer tailored treatment to provide individuals with the greatest support in managing symptoms and promoting self-esteem. Because therapy is personalized, the duration of treatment is likewise dependent on the severity of symptoms, your engagement in therapy, and your unique goals. These factors can be broken down as follows:

Patient-Related Factors:

• Symptom Severity: More severe cases of depression, including cases where there is a risk of self-harm, usually require longer treatment to ensure complete remission of symptoms.
• Coexisting conditions: The presence of other mental health conditions, such as anxiety in addition to depression, can complicate treatment and extend its duration.
• Gender: There is some evidence that females engage in therapy on average longer than men, although the evidence is limited, and the noted difference is slight.

Treatment-Related Factors:

• Type of Therapy: Different treatment methods will have varying average durations; for example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is generally shorter than psychodynamic therapy.
• Treatment Response: Positive responses to treatment are linked to better outcomes from therapy and can potentially limit session duration. Resistance to treatment is generally correlated with longer durations.
• Therapeutic Alliance: A strong therapist-patient relationship is strongly linked to positive outcomes in therapy and is somewhat correlated with shorter treatment durations.

In essence, these factors lead to two heuristics, or rules of thumb:

1. The more severe or complicated your symptoms, the longer the potential duration of treatment.
2. The more responsive and engaged you are in therapy, the shorter the potential duration of treatment.

The purpose of therapy is not to “fix” a problem, although a significant goal is complete symptom remission. The primary purpose is to provide individuals with the tools they need to effectively manage their symptoms, enjoy a high quality of life, and be self-sufficient in their daily lives. The duration of therapy is primarily affected by the degree of support required to achieve these goals and the degree to which individuals participate in treatment.

Average Time Frames for Therapy

So, how long does therapy actually take? In most cases, it can last between 2-12 months or 6-40 sessions, but this largely depends on symptom severity and whether the therapy is time-limited. In most cases, sessions are weekly, so 6-8 session treatments will take about two months, and up to six months for 20-24 session treatments.

Time-limited therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and its subtypes will have specific goals set with time frames to achieve those goals. More open-ended treatments, like long-term psychodynamic therapy, can require a year or longer of treatment.

There are wide individual differences, so it is difficult to pinpoint the length of treatment for any one individual. However, in general terms, the average time frames for specific types of therapy are:

• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Typically involves 8 group sessions, each two hours long.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Typically lasts 6-20 sessions or 2-5 months.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Typically lasts 12-16 weeks, with three phases, each involving 3-5 sessions.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Lasts at least six months, with treatment often lasting a year or longer.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: A more open-ended therapy with variable treatment duration.
  • Short-Term: Short-term psychodynamic therapy is more time-limited and generally lasts 25-30 sessions or 6-8 months.
  • Long-Term: Long-term psychodynamic therapy can last 50+ sessions, up to 1-2 years.

In understanding these average durations, it’s crucial not to equate the duration of therapy with overall effectiveness. Each therapy represents a module or toolkit of evidence-based practices that effectively improve quality of life and help lead to symptom remission. The primary consideration with treatment duration is your unique needs and progress.

Can Therapy for Depression Be Ongoing?

In some cases, therapy for depression may become a long-term or ongoing process. For individuals with severe or recurrent major depressive disorder or who have coexisting conditions such as an anxiety disorder, long-term therapy may be recommended. Rather than aiming for a fixed endpoint, the focus of extended treatment is often on maintaining progress, preventing relapse, and navigating new challenges as they arise.

Ongoing therapy can be especially helpful during life transitions, major stressors (such as divorce), or periods of increased vulnerability to depression (such as during the winter). Regular sessions allow individuals to revisit coping strategies, develop new ones, and maintain stability. Additionally, while the frequency of sessions may decrease over time as symptom management improves, many people find that periodic check-ins with their therapist help sustain their mental health progress.

How to Maximize the Effectiveness of Therapy Sessions

Consistency and communication are crucial to progress and symptom management in therapy. This is sometimes a focus of treatment as many individuals with severe depression lack the energy or motivation to engage in regular psychotherapy sessions. For these individuals, online therapy may be a good option. Regularly attending sessions and following through on goals significantly impacts long-term progress. Communication is equally important, as the therapeutic alliance is one of the strongest predictors of success. Being open and honest about your experiences, challenges, and progress fosters a trusting environment where the therapist can personalize treatment to best meet your needs.

To maximize the effectiveness of therapy, set clear, concrete goals beforehand, discuss those goals with your therapist at the beginning of treatment, and apply lessons learned between therapy sessions. Consistency and follow-up on goals will lead to short-term improvements and lasting changes in your mental health progress.

Get the Support You Need With Start My Wellness

Therapy for depression is a personalized journey that depends on many factors, including the severity of symptoms, type of therapy, and engagement. The key to success lies in maintaining consistency, building a strong therapeutic alliance, and sticking to your goals.

At Start My Wellness, we understand that each person’s experience with depression is unique. Our team is committed to offering tailored therapy that aligns with your specific needs, whether you require short-term assistance or long-term care. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive, compassionate environment where individuals can explore their challenges and make meaningful progress.

If you’re ready to begin your therapy journey, contact us today at (248)-514-4955 or schedule an appointment. Let us help you take the next step toward better mental health and lasting well-being.

Sources

1. Start My Wellness: How do I know if I have ADHD? What if I also have symptoms of anxiety and/or depression?
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6. Oxford Health: Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
7. NHS: Overview – Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT
8. World Psychiatry: Interpersonal Psychotherapy: principles and applications
9. Yale Medicine: Dialectical Behavior Therapy
10. Medical News Today: What is psychodynamic therapy?
11. Start My Wellness: Coping with the Winter Blues: A Closer Look at Seasonal Affective Disorder