There is often a mis-understanding about who consults a psychologist (and how they work)  as the media tends to focus on severe mental health concerns. Psychologists work in various areas, including sports, rehabilitation, health, schools, forensics, and research. Each area may have psychologists offering various services requiring different intensity levels to achieve the desired outcome. Therefore there is no easy answer to the question how many sessions and for how long as it depends on the reason a psychologist was consulted.

What about - General Counselling?

When considering seeing a psychologist for counselling (I am using this term to cover many types of interventions), it's normal to have questions about the process. One common question is about the number of expected sessions.

The required number of sessions can vary widely based on individual needs, specific problems, insurance coverage, and the therapeutic approach of the psychologist. For example, for those seeking to understand their current reactions to a specific situation, 1-3 sessions focused on psychoeducation may be sufficient. However, the number of sessions will vary depending on the discussed concern and the desired outcomes.

Asking a psychologist for a report for work or the court may only involve a few sessions; asking for ongoing support to deal with grief may require an open-ended number of sessions.

It should be noted that Insurance and government rebate systems compound the situation as they tend to restrict the number of reimbursed sessions, limiting access.

Frequency

The frequency of sessions will vary, and you need to consider your circumstances. Although more frequent sessions may be desired, they must also be affordable to you in terms of time and funds.

Fortnightly or monthly appointments may be recommended for sustained support with milder issues. On the other hand, weekly appointments may be suggested for deeper support, particularly in the initial stages of therapy.

What should I ask my Psychologist?

• How many sessions do you think I will I need?
• What is the frequency you would recommend?
• What can we do if I can not afford to see you this often?

Use of contracts

The use of contracts for psychological sessions can vary among psychologists. While some psychologists may use contracts to outline therapy terms, including session frequency, confidentiality clauses, and payment details, they are not always used. Some psychologists may prefer a more flexible approach without strict contracts.

My practice

• Contracts related to frequency of visits are not required for psychology consults.
• Clients are generally seen fortinghtly or monthly, depending on the seriousness of their issues, financial capacity, and availability.