How do I know if Lisa Chen & Associates is the right fit for me?

We offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. It's a chance to get to know us, understand our approach, and see if we align with your needs. The purpose of an initial consultation is to determine if you are a good fit for working together. You can expect a 15-20 minute conversation where you will have the opportunity to share your concerns, goals, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. This is also a chance for you to ask questions and get a sense of the therapist's approach and personality.

Our fees range from $180 to $350 per 50-minute session based on the clinician's experience, specialized training, and services provided. Lisa Chen's fees are $350 per 50-minute session for both individual and couples counseling. Licensed Client Session fees are $200 for individual and $225 for couples counseling per 50-minute session. Associate Clinician fees are $180 for individual and $200 for couples counseling per 50-minute session. We also reserve spots for clients requesting a sliding-scale rate to accommodate financial needs.

Do you accept insurance?

Lisa Chen & Associates are out-of-network providers. We provide monthly insurance statements ('Superbills') for you to seek partial reimbursement from your insurance company according to your policy. For questions about your out-of-network benefits, please contact your insurance carrier before scheduling.

What is your cancellation policy?

Weekly clients are allowed 3 free cancellations every 6 months, and bi-weekly clients are allowed 2 free cancellations every 6 months, beginning from the date of your first session. You will be responsible for payment for your normally scheduled session time for all cancelled appointments beyond this. Please provide at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations. You may always choose to reschedule and/or take sessions virtually to accommodate occasional scheduling conflicts.

How often should I expect to meet?

We recommend weekly therapy sessions for optimal progress. However, there are times when clients prefer to meet twice a week for more complex challenges. During your initial phone consultation, let us know if you are interested in more frequent sessions.

Are you offering in-person sessions?

Yes, we are seeing clients in our South Bay office located at 2615 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 322, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. We also offer telehealth sessions for California residents.

How do I get started with counseling?

The first step is to schedule an initial consultation by calling our office or submitting the contact form on our website. This allows us to understand your needs and match you with the best therapist for your situation. From there, we'll work with you to schedule ongoing sessions.

Find the Right Therapy Rhythm: How Often Should You See a Therapist?

Taking the first step to seek therapy is a profound act of self-care and a commitment to your emotional health and well-being. Congratulations!

As an experienced psychotherapist, I understand that embarking on this journey can raise many questions, particularly regarding the frequency of therapy sessions. How often should you go to therapy? How often should you see a therapist? These are common questions many first-time clients ask and sometimes, clients I’ve been working with for a long time, and the answer lies in finding the right "therapy rhythm" that aligns with your unique needs and goals.

In this article, we'll explore the factors that influence therapy frequency, the benefits of consistent and weekly therapy, and practical tips for tailoring your therapeutic experience to achieve optimal personal growth and healing. These tips are derived from my clinical experience working with many clients over time.

Understanding the Therapeutic Process

Psychotherapy is a collaborative journey of self-exploration and growth, where you work closely with a trained professional to navigate life's challenges, gain insight into your thoughts and behaviors, and develop effective coping strategies. The therapeutic process is deeply personal, and a good relationship with your therapist is considered the most important factor in addressing mental health issues. Also, finding the right "therapy rhythm" – the frequency and consistency of your sessions – can also play a crucial role in your progress and overall experience.

In my opinion, the ideal therapy frequency is influenced by various factors, including the severity of the issues you're addressing, your personal preferences, and the recommendations of your therapist. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision about how often to attend therapy sessions and create a schedule that supports your goals.

The Benefits of Consistent and Weekly Therapy

While therapy frequency can vary based on individual needs, research consistently highlights the benefits of consistent and weekly therapy, especially in the initial stages of treatment. I wholeheartedly agree. Here are some key advantages of going to therapy on a weekly basis:

Establishes a strong therapeutic alliance and trust
Maintains momentum and accountability in the healing process
Allows for deeper exploration of issues and personal growth
Reinforces new patterns of thinking, behaving, and coping (neuroplasticity)
Provides structured support and a dedicated space for self-reflection

In addition, weekly therapy has been backed up by research. A landmark study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3629822/) found that patients who attended weekly therapy sessions experienced significantly greater improvements in their overall well-being and symptom reduction compared to those who attended sessions less frequently.

Similarly, a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2012-30746-001) examined the effectiveness of different therapy dosages and found that patients who received weekly or twice-weekly sessions showed the most substantial improvements, particularly in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.

Tailoring Therapy Frequency to Your Needs

While the research supports the benefits of consistent and weekly therapy, it's important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Your therapy frequency should be tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Here are some general guidelines:

Acute or complex challenges: If you're navigating acute or complex issues, such as trauma, severe depression, or a recent life-changing event, your therapist may recommend weekly or bi-weekly sessions initially. This focused support can provide the structure and accountability needed to work through difficult emotions and make meaningful progress. It's important to understand that the nature of the problems you're facing will significantly influence both the frequency and duration of therapy. For instance, issues that have been part of your life for an extended period or have deeply affected you, like childhood trauma or long-standing personal conflicts, often require a more prolonged and consistent therapeutic engagement. While this extended process can seem daunting, it is tailored to ensure that the depth and complexity of the issues are adequately addressed, promoting long-term healing and coping strategies. Remember, each therapeutic journey is unique, and your path may differ from others based on the specific challenges you are facing.
Maintenance and personal growth: Once a sense of stability has been established, many individuals transition to a maintenance schedule of biweekly or monthly sessions. This can be particularly helpful if you're seeking ongoing personal growth, stress management, or support in maintaining the gains you've achieved. It’s best to talk to your therapist, to ensure your treatment goals have been achieved, and you’re ready to step down to maintenance.
Flexibility: It's also important to be open to adjusting your therapy frequency as needed. During periods of heightened stress or significant life transitions, increasing the frequency of sessions can provide additional support and guidance. Sometimes, I’ve seen clients 2 to 3 times a week, given their current issues or interest in exploring their lives on a deeper level.

Your stage of recovery plays a crucial role in determining how often you should go to therapy. If you're navigating acute or complex challenges, such as trauma, severe depression, or a recent life-changing event, your therapist may recommend weekly or bi-weekly sessions initially. This focused support can provide the structure and accountability needed to work through difficult emotions and make meaningful progress. As you begin to find your footing and the immediate challenges become more manageable, the frequency of your therapy sessions might be adjusted. For many, once a foundational sense of stability has been achieved, transitioning to a maintenance schedule of biweekly or monthly sessions proves beneficial. This adjustment reflects your progress and helps maintain the gains you've achieved while still supporting your journey towards further personal growth and stress management. It's important to be open to adjusting your therapy frequency as needed.

During periods of heightened stress or significant life transitions, increasing the frequency of sessions can provide additional support and guidance. Similarly, as you continue to heal and grow stronger, you may find that less frequent check-ins every few weeks or even monthly will suffice, ensuring you have the support you need while encouraging independence and application of coping strategies learned in therapy. Ultimately, your therapist can guide you through this process and help determine the appropriate frequency based on your unique needs and the stability you have attained in your recovery journey.

In my opinion, the ideal therapy frequency is influenced by various factors, including the severity of the issues you're addressing, your personal preferences, and the recommendations of your therapist. Additionally, it's important to consider the type of therapy being employed, your level of commitment to the therapeutic process, your budget, and your therapist’s availability. Moreover, the specific issues you are working through and your current stage of recovery should also play a crucial role. By understanding these comprehensive factors, you can make an informed decision about how often to attend therapy sessions and create a schedule that supports your goals and is tailored to your unique needs and circumstances.

“At Lisa Chen & Associates, we understand the demands of modern life and offer flexible scheduling options, including virtual telehealth services in California. Our goal is to make therapy accessible and convenient, so our clients can prioritize their mental well-being without sacrificing other commitments.” - Lisa Chen, MA and LMFT

How Does Your Commitment to Doing the Work Outside of Therapy Sessions Influence How Often You Should See a Therapist?

The Importance of Commitment

Your dedication to engaging with therapy concepts outside of sessions plays a critical role in determining the frequency of your visits with a therapist. Therapy isn't confined to the time spent in an office; much of the progress happens between sessions.

Applying What You Learn

While the therapy sessions provide a structured environment to discuss and understand your challenges, the real impact is often seen when you apply these insights in your daily life. For example, practicing coping strategies or communication skills as recommended by your therapist can solidify your progress.

Frequency of Sessions

If you are highly committed and actively practice what you learn, you might need less frequent sessions. This means that your time with the therapist can be spaced out more, as you already engage in significant self-improvement on your own.

Conversely, if you find that consistent accountability and support are vital for your progress, you might benefit from more frequent sessions. This could help in ensuring you stay on track and have the guidance you need as you navigate through your therapy goals.

Self-Assessment

Consider how proactive and disciplined you are about homework assignments and self-reflection exercises. If you are diligent, fewer sessions might suffice. However, if you struggle with motivation or implementing changes, weekly or bi-weekly sessions might be more beneficial.

Common Questions and Answers:

Q: How do I know if I need weekly or bi-weekly therapy sessions?

A: We recommend attending weekly sessions initially. It should be based on a combination of factors, including the severity of the issues you're addressing, your personal preferences, and the recommendations of your therapist. If you're navigating acute or complex challenges, weekly sessions may be recommended initially to provide focused support and maintain momentum in the healing process.

Q: How does the type of issue I'm working on affect the frequency of therapy?

A: Acute or complex challenges: If you're navigating acute or complex issues, such as trauma, severe depression, or a recent life-changing event, your therapist may recommend weekly or bi-weekly sessions initially. This focused support can provide the structure and accountability needed to work through difficult emotions and make meaningful progress. It's important to understand that the nature of the problems you're facing will significantly influence both the frequency and duration of therapy. For instance, issues that have been part of your life for an extended period or have deeply affected you, like childhood trauma or long-standing personal conflicts, often require a more prolonged and consistent therapeutic engagement. While this extended process can seem daunting, it is tailored to ensure that the depth and complexity of the issues are adequately addressed, promoting long-term healing and coping strategies. Remember, each therapeutic journey is unique, and your path may differ from others based on the specific challenges you are facing.

Q: How does my therapist's availability influence the frequency of therapy sessions?

A: Ideally, your therapist's availability should align with the frequency that best supports your therapy goals and needs. If your therapist has limited availability or is only able to offer sessions on a less frequent basis, it's important to communicate openly about how this may impact your progress and explore alternative options. Some clients may benefit from more frequent sessions to maintain momentum and address pressing issues, while others may find that less frequent sessions still provide valuable support. It is essential to recognize that your therapist needs to manage their schedule to avoid over-booking themselves, ensuring that they can dedicate the necessary attention and energy to each session. This scheduling consideration is a practical aspect of therapy that directly influences how often you can attend sessions. A prospective therapist’s limited availability might initially seem like a drawback, but it could actually indicate a thoughtful approach to their booking practices, suggesting that they are intentional about the number of sessions they schedule per week to maintain a quality service for each client. Ultimately, the key is to have a transparent conversation with your therapist about how their availability influences the frequency of your therapy sessions and work together to find a schedule that optimally serves your mental well-being.

Q: How does my budget impact how often I can go to therapy?

A; Your budget plays a crucial role in determining the frequency of your therapy sessions. Financial constraints might limit you to fewer sessions than you prefer. However, there are solutions available to help you manage this. For instance, therapists often work with clients to develop a financially feasible plan, which might include supplementing less frequent sessions with shorter, more affordable phone check-ins. Additionally, joining a free support group on the weeks you aren’t meeting with your therapist can offer continuous support without straining your budget. This approach allows you to have consistent support while adhering to your financial boundaries.

Q: Can I transition to less frequent sessions over time?

A: Absolutely! As you make progress and achieve a sense of stability, it's common to transition to less frequent sessions, such as monthly or bi-monthly. However, it's important to maintain ongoing maintenance sessions to continue your personal growth and solidify the gains you've achieved. Your therapist can guide you through this transition and help determine the appropriate frequency based on your unique needs.

Q: What if my schedule doesn't allow for weekly sessions?

A: While weekly sessions are often recommended, especially in the initial stages of treatment, it's essential to find a therapy schedule that works for your lifestyle. If weekly sessions are not feasible due to work, family, or other commitments, consider intensive short-term therapy options. The key is to remain consistent and committed to the therapeutic process, even if the frequency is adjusted to accommodate your schedule.

Finding the Right Therapist and Therapeutic Approach

In addition to determining the appropriate therapy frequency, finding the right therapist and therapeutic approach is crucial for a successful and transformative experience. The therapeutic relationship is deeply personal, and feeling comfortable and connected with your therapist can foster trust, openness, and a sense of safety – essential elements for meaningful progress.

When seeking a therapist, don't hesitate to explore different therapeutic modalities, such as Internal Family Systems, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalytic therapy, or mindfulness-based approaches. Each modality has its own strengths and focuses, and finding the right fit can enhance your overall experience and progress.

Additionally, consider factors such as the therapist's credentials, experience, communication style, and specialties. Recommendations from trusted friends or online reviews can be a great starting point, but ultimately, trust your instincts and be willing to have consultations with multiple therapists until you find the right match.

Embracing the Therapeutic Journey

Seeking therapy is a courageous act of self-care and a commitment to personal growth. As you embark on this journey, approach it with an open mind and a willingness to explore, learn, and grow. The therapeutic process can be challenging at times, but it also holds the potential for profound self-discovery and transformation.

Remember, there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to therapy frequency. By understanding the benefits of consistent and weekly therapy, tailoring the frequency to your needs, and finding the right therapist and therapeutic approach, you can create a personalized and effective experience that supports your mental well-being and personal growth.

At my practice, I am dedicated to providing a warm, professional, and experienced environment where individuals and couples can embark on their therapeutic journeys. If you're seeking support or have any further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your mental well-being is my priority, and together, we can find the right therapy rhythm that resonates with you.

Resources

American Psychological Association (https://www.apa.org/)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (https://www.nami.org/)
Mental Health America (https://www.mhanational.org/)
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (https://adaa.org/)
Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com/)