What is the history behind the 45 minute psychotherapy session? Is any research available?

Question

Why 45 minutes versus 30 minutes for a psychotherapy session? Is there any empirical evidence showing the efficacy of one versus the other?

Answer 1

I don't know about research, but as a therapist, I can say from my personal experience that the optimal length of a session depends on the developmental level of the client and the therapeutic framework being used. For many children, more than 30 minutes can be overwhelming or stressful. For some adults, some of their best work is done towards the end of an hour and a half, whereas for others, a longer session could just reinforce blurry boundaries. I think the 45-50 minute session is based mostly on insurance practices.

Answer 2

There are huge individual differences in what is the optimal length of psychotherapy. Even though some sessions seems to get better at the end, many people have problems focusing and remembering after 45-50 min intensive therapy. But as I said, this varies.

Answer 3

It was referred as the 50 minute therapeutic hour. People were seen for 50 minutes and the other ten it was assumed was for paperwork. In Oklahoma the healthcare authority decided four years ago that we could have either a 30 minute session, 50 minute session. or a 75 minute session. You can not bill for any time spent administratively

Answer 4

its cause therepist didnt want to hear clients problems for 1 whole hour