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What comes to mind when you think of 'therapy'? Is it weekly one-hour sessions with a therapist who takes notes and offers occasional advice, leading to gradual mental health improvements over months or years? While this traditional approach has been the norm, it’s not the only method, as clinical psychology professor and therapist Dr. Jessica Schleider explains.
Conventional mental health care typically requires long-term commitment, which isn’t always accessible. Dr. Schleider's research reveals that financial constraints, lengthy waiting periods, and stigma often prevent people from receiving traditional care. In her new book, Little Treatments, Big Effects, she explores how purposeful 'single-session interventions' can be just as effective.
What exactly is a single-session intervention?
Schleider describes single-session interventions (SSIs) as 'specific, structured programs that involve a single visit or encounter with a clinic, provider, or program,' which may include digital and self-administered activities. Think of SSIs as a form of mental health urgent care, offering immediate support for your problem and guiding you on your way.
'Short and single-session mental health interventions are backed by decades of global research and practice, including my own lab's work,' Schleider wrote in her book. 'These interventions are intentionally brief, designed to take place in one therapeutic session; they recognize the reality that any therapeutic experience could be someone's last, yet it can still be genuinely beneficial.'
Single-session interventions can take the form of a single therapy session with a licensed professional, interaction with a peer support specialist, or an online, self-guided activity.
'No matter the format, all SSIs are designed to foster a 'context of competence' in the recipient—the belief that they already possess the tools, strengths, and capabilities necessary for meaningful change—and that it’s possible to take a step toward such change at any time, even in a short moment,' Schleider explained. 'This approach helps maximize individuals' readiness and ability to fully benefit from what they learn in 10 to 90 minutes.'
In cases of a mental health emergency where someone is at risk of harming themselves or others, you might call a crisis hotline, but this is distinct from SSIs, as Schleider clarifies.
“Crisis care centers around calming emotional distress and ensuring physical safety, while SSIs are versatile in helping people tackle a range of challenges, from relationship troubles to low mood or anxiety related to school or work. SSIs guide individuals in identifying the 'best next step' toward a future that holds meaning for them, no matter where they start emotionally,” said Schleider.
Situations where a single-session intervention could be beneficial
In truth, anyone can benefit from mental health support, and SSIs are no exception. Schleider pointed out that while SSIs have been tested with individuals facing anxiety and depression, they may also be effective for those dealing with traumatic stress, suicidal thoughts, and disordered eating.
'Interestingly, the effects of SSIs don’t seem to vary depending on the severity of the mental health issue at hand; an SSI could be useful whether someone has been struggling for years or just a few weeks,' explained Schleider. 'This is likely because, regardless of their emotional starting point, everyone has the potential to take a small but impactful step toward something that matters to them. The aspects SSIs most help shift—such as hope, self-confidence, or motivation to move forward—can aid individuals in navigating a wide variety of challenges.'
Put simply, no matter what type of mental health challenge you’re facing, a single session of therapy or a therapeutic activity can help you take the next step toward feeling better.
How to access one-time mental health support
Currently, in the United States, accessing mental health care can be financially taxing, time-consuming, and ironically, detrimental to your mental health. Once you decide to pursue therapy, you’ll likely face long wait times and be expected to commit to multiple sessions.
'Unfortunately, there are limited face-to-face options for seeking out single-session interventions at the moment—at least in the United States,' Schleider noted. 'I hope my book can spark change in this area, but therapist training models will need to evolve for SSI availability to improve in the long run.'
However, there are online resources that offer self-guided single-session intervention experiences:
Project YES (Youth Empowerment & Support): Originally designed for research with teens but applicable to anyone. Choose from four online activities to help manage difficult emotions, including a self-guided consultation.
Project EMPOWER: Created for those who work with or care for children, this online resource helps teach skills to build bravery and reduce anxiety in kids and pre-teens. (Though it can be helpful for anyone dealing with anxiety.)
More resources for therapists interested in offering single-session interventions.
There are numerous ways to focus on your mental health outside of therapy sessions, including learning self-soothing techniques and engaging in other evidence-supported mental health practices.
If you're looking to experience the growth and relief that can come from a single therapy session, tell potential therapists you’d like to try 'solution-focused, single-session therapy.' While this approach may not be widespread yet, the more people request it, the more likely clinicians are to accommodate them. Even though therapists are accustomed to treating therapy as a long-term commitment, they should be prepared to offer care that’s beneficial to individuals who only need one session.
If you’re having thoughts of suicide, or are concerned about someone else, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (or use the chat feature at 988lifeline.org); the lifeline is a nationwide network of local crisis centers providing free and confidential emotional support to individuals in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, available 24/7 in the U.S.
