Key Takeaways
- The length and frequency of psychiatric treatment will vary from person to person based on their needs. Some people may require temporary care, while others may need lifelong support.
- It can take some time to experience the full effects of a psychiatric medication. However, some people notice a subtle improvement in symptoms after just a few days.
- A person’s diagnosis, the severity of their symptoms, and how they respond to interventions like therapy and medications are just a few of the factors that will determine how long psychiatric treatment lasts.
If you’re new to psychiatric care, you might be unsure what to expect from your appointments. You may wonder how long treatment will last and how often you’ll see your psychiatrist. It may take some time to determine the best combination of supports (like therapy, medication, and self-management strategies) for you.
But providers use some general guidelines and timelines to determine the frequency and duration of treatment. Learning more about what to expect from this experience can help you feel more prepared to access psychiatric support and stay engaged with care.
How long are psychiatry appointments?
The length of a psychiatry appointment will depend on a few factors. Your first session (also called an initial psychiatric evaluation) will typically be longer than the following sessions, usually lasting about 60 minutes. Your psychiatrist needs the time to review your history, discuss your symptoms, and conduct an assessment.
From there, the length of your appointments will vary based on your needs. However, generally speaking, people with mild or moderate symptoms can expect shorter appointments moving forward. Most follow-up visits will consist of medication management appointments and they usually last 30 minutes or less. These appointments are used to discuss your progress, assess how you’re responding to medication or other interventions, and make any necessary adjustments.
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How often should you see a psychiatrist?
Currently, there are no universal guidelines for how often a person should see their psychiatric provider. This is because timelines can vary significantly based on a person’s symptoms and needs. However, for the most part, people with more severe symptoms can expect more frequent appointments. Those with milder symptoms may see their psychiatrist less frequently, especially once their symptoms start to improve.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) provides recommendations for appointment frequency for specific conditions. For example, it states that people with major depressive disorder (MDD) should be seen weekly during the first 90 days of treatment. This frequency is intended to prevent gaps in treatment and communication, allow providers to address side effects in a timely manner, and help people consistently engage with care.
How long does a diagnosis take?
Getting an accurate diagnosis doesn’t necessarily take a long time. If a person has “textbook” (or characteristic) symptoms that have maintained a similar pattern, a provider can often make a determination after one or just a few sessions. To accomplish this, they’ll usually use a combination of their observations, the person’s history and feedback, and an evaluation tool or assessment.
But getting an accurate diagnosis can sometimes be a more lengthy process. This may happen when a person is living with several co-occurring conditions or if their symptoms don’t follow a clear pattern. Rest assured that psychiatrists are trained to navigate diagnostic complexity and ensure that you get the right care for your needs.
How long does it take for psychiatric medication to take effect?
The average mental health medication typically will take up to an average of 6 weeks to work. However, you may experience a subtle positive shift in the first few days after starting a medication.
For example, you might start sleeping better or feeling less on edge or angry. Then, over the next few weeks, you might begin to experience more noticeable changes. You might find yourself in a better mood, have fewer symptoms, and start feeling more like yourself.
As time passes, your symptoms should continue to improve. Some people stay on medication for a few months or a year, while others remain on medication throughout their lives. You and your provider can discuss whether medication should be a temporary or long-term part of your treatment plan.
Something I often tell my clients is that while they may start to feel a bit better within the first few days of taking new medication, the full therapeutic effect usually becomes more noticeable around the 8-week mark.
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Determining the duration of psychiatric care is a personal process. But there are a few general guidelines to be aware of. Your initial session will likely be longer than follow-up appointments. And if your symptoms are severe, you can expect to meet with your provider more frequently.
If you have questions about any aspect of psychiatric care, don’t hesitate to speak up. Your provider can help you understand what to expect from your treatment experience and create a plan to help you achieve the best possible outcomes.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
About the author
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
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Rula's editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness.
Members of Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
