The honest answer is that it depends.

But here’s what the research and clinical experience generally say:

• Typical duration: 8 to 20 sessions

Most structured BA programs are short-term and can range from:

• • 8–12 sessions for mild to moderate depression.
  • 16–20 sessions for more severe cases.

These are often weekly sessions, so we’re talking about 2 to 5 months of consistent therapy.

Many people start to feel improvements within the first few weeks.

A meta-analysis discovered that even brief BA interventions (under 10 sessions) can lead to sizable improvement in depressive symptoms.

• Early gains are common
  
  

One of BA’s strengths is that people often notice positive changes early on, like increased energy, better sleep, or improved motivation, particularly once they begin re-engaging in previously avoided or meaningful activities.

Clients typically start seeing mood improvements once they begin reconnecting with rewarding behaviors, even if the depression hasn’t fully lifted yet.

• It’s more than just a timeline; it’s a process

The real goal of BA isn’t just to “feel better” quickly. It’s to build sustainable habits and reconnect with what gives life meaning. That often means:

• • Recognizing patterns of avoidance.
  • Replacing them with approach behaviors.
  • Creating routines based on personal values.

This isn’t a one-time fix. It’s a set of tools you can return to whenever you feel stuck.

• Factors that influence duration
  
  

How long BA therapy lasts can depend on:

• • Severity of depression.
  • Level of avoidance or inactivity.
  • Presence of other issues, such as anxiety, trauma, or substance use.
  • Support system.
  • Consistency with homework or activity tracking.
  • Whether it’s combined with medication or other therapy.

• Maintenance and follow-up

Some people do a round of BA, feel better, and move on.

Others may benefit from:

• • Booster sessions every few months.
  • Ongoing check-ins.
  • Self-guided BA practices to maintain gains.

Think of it like physical therapy: once you learn the movements, you can keep doing them on your own to stay strong.

You might need a few months of structured therapy, but the tools and habits from BA can support you long after therapy ends.

The idea isn’t to stay in therapy forever; it’s to give you strategies that help you stay engaged with life, even when depression creeps back in.