psychotherapy is offered in various formats

The treatment modality selected is manner in which the treatment will be delivered. A careful assessment of the presenting issues and findings from the assessment are used to determine the optimal modality of treatment. In some cases it is evident from the presenting issues such as when a couple wants to engage in marital therapy or a family unit seeks treatment.

Sequential treatment refers to providing one modality of therapy followed by another. At times it may be optimal to sequence treatment modalities, such as beginning with individual and then suggesting a course of couples, group or family treatment. A common example might be when a child or adolescent begins treatment and a decision is made to invite the family into the treatment and begin a course of family therapy.

Combining treatment modalities is a common way of delivering behavioral and mental health care, especially in more complex cases. Multiple treatments may be offered simultaneously. For example, someone suffering from co-occuring substance use and other clinical syndromes might offered both group therapy for addiction treatment and individual or another modality for other issues. Careful decision making is required when offering multiple treatments as the cost and time commitment maybe burdensome. 

Part of the treatment format usually established after the assessment and agreed upon are the length of the session. These can vary from 45-minutes to extended sessions of up to 90-minutes. Some approaches emphasize even longer durations where indicated.

The frequency of sessions is usually established and agreed upon after the assessment. In some case more frequent sessions are warranted and in others they can be spaced out at greater intervals. In some approaches 4 to 5 times a week are suggested. Generally, as therapeutic progress is achieved the duration of time between sessions can be extended.

Treatment settings are where the treatment is conducted. These can include outpatient (private, community, or hospital based) inpatient (psychiatric or general hospital), partial hospitalization/day treatment, and residential treatment facilities the most common.