How Long Does Therapy Take? (A Guide for Medi-Cal Clients)

Aug 5

One of the most common questions new clients ask is:
“How long will I need to be in therapy?”

If you’re a Medi-Cal client, here’s the good news: there is no session limit with Medi-Cal. Unlike many private insurance plans that cap the number of therapy visits each year, Medi-Cal allows you to continue as long as you and your therapist believe it’s helpful.

1. Every Journey Is Different

Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Some people start feeling relief in just a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing therapy for months or even years. What matters most is what you need and the goals you want to reach.

2. Short-Term Therapy

Some clients come for 8–12 sessions to:

Manage stress, anxiety, or depression
Learn coping tools for a life transition
Process a recent loss
Strengthen relationships or communication

Short-term therapy can give you a strong foundation of tools and support.

3. Ongoing Therapy

Other clients stay in therapy for as long as it feels right, especially if they want to:

Heal from trauma or childhood experiences
Work on long-standing patterns that affect self-esteem or relationships
Have consistent support for ongoing mental health conditions
Continue growing, reflecting, and building resilience over time

Because Medi-Cal covers all sessions, you don’t have to worry about “using up” your therapy. You can continue at a pace that feels supportive and sustainable.

4. How You’ll Know Therapy Is Helping

You might notice:

Feeling calmer or more hopeful
Handling stress differently
Being kinder to yourself
Noticing patterns you want to change
Feeling more connected in relationships

Progress doesn’t always look dramatic — often it’s the small shifts that add up to lasting change.

5. Take It at Your Own Pace

There’s no right or wrong timeline. Some clients prefer weekly sessions, some every other week, and others eventually shift to monthly “check-ins.” With Medi-Cal, you and your therapist decide together what’s best — not the insurance company.

The Bottom Line

Therapy with Medi-Cal has no session limit. That means you can get the care you need for as long as you need it, without cost or restrictions. Whether you need short-term support or long-term healing, we’re here to walk with you.

📞 Call us today or [fill out our intake form] to get started. Therapy is fully covered by Medi-Cal, and appointments are available both in-person and through telehealth across California.

Amber Hullibarger