As a psychologist, one of the first questions parents ask me after an initial assessment is, "So, how long will this take?" It’s a completely normal question, born from a desire to help your child as efficiently as possible while also managing the reality of your family's schedule and resources. The simple answer is: it depends. The more helpful answer is that we work as a team to create a plan that is effective, sustainable, and flexible. Therapy for kids isn't a one-size-fits-all prescription. It's a journey, and we're charting the course together.
When we start, the primary goal is to build momentum and rapport. For most children, this means weekly sessions. A typical session lasts about 45 to 50 minutes. This consistent, predictable rhythm is crucial for a few key reasons:
For parents, this starting phase is all about involvement. We'll set aside time to discuss what you're seeing at home, review any "homework" we've given your child, and make sure you feel equipped to support them between sessions.
While we start with a standard weekly pace, the total duration of therapy is dynamic and depends on several factors:
Environmental Support: You, the parent, are the most important part of this equation. A child whose parents are actively involved, consistent with implementing strategies at home, and patient with the process will almost always progress more quickly.
Let’s look at two anonymized, hypothetical examples to illustrate how a therapy journey can evolve.
Scenario 1: Sam, Age 8, with Mild Anxiety
Sam struggles with a new school environment. He feels nervous before class and gets tummy aches. His parents want to help him build confidence.
Month 7 and Beyond: Sam and his parents decide he's ready to end therapy, knowing they can always reach out for a follow-up session in the future if a new challenge arises.
Scenario 2: Maya, Age 11, with Moderate Anxiety and School Refusal
Maya’s anxiety is more severe, manifesting as panic attacks and an inability to go to school. This has been going on for several months.
After One Year: Maya and her family feel equipped with the tools they need to manage her anxiety on their own.
The decision to decrease the frequency of sessions is never random. It’s a deliberate process that involves a conversation with you and your child. We look for a few key indicators:
These are the moments we celebrate! It means the child is internalizing the skills and building their own resilience.
One of the most common questions I get is, "Will I be in the room for every session?" The answer is typically no, but your role is still vital. For younger kids, we might spend the first 10 minutes together before I work one-on-one with your child. For older kids, our check-ins are often at the end of the session. The time we spend together is dedicated to sharing observations and making sure the strategies we're using in therapy translate effectively to your home life.
Think of your child’s therapy as a gradual tapering process. We start with a consistent, weekly pace to build a strong foundation, and as your child grows in confidence and skills, we begin to stretch the time between sessions. This allows them to apply their new abilities in real-world situations, building their independence and self-efficacy. Most children attend therapy for a range of 3 to 12 months, with some needing less and others more, depending on the individual and the issue.
Your next practical step: Once your child has had a few sessions, schedule a time to talk with your therapist about their proposed plan. Ask them what they hope to achieve in the first month and what their general timeline looks like. This collaborative approach will make you feel empowered and will help you and your child stay on track for a successful journey.