Accelerated Therapy in Los Angeles County, CA: Making Breakthroughs Faster

Life in Los Angeles County moves fast—between career demands, family commitments, and the city’s constant buzz, it can be hard to find the time for weeks or months of traditional therapy. That’s why Accelerated Therapy is changing the landscape for individuals, couples, and families seeking rapid, lasting change. Instead of one-hour sessions that spread progress thin, Accelerated Therapy focuses on 3-hour intensive sessions (or 2-hour sessions for small families), giving you more time to go deeper, work through barriers, and see meaningful results in fewer appointments.

Imagine this: Instead of 12 weeks of hour-long therapy, you could complete four 3-hour sessions—making the same, or even greater, progress in a fraction of the time. For those with busy schedules, urgent needs, or a desire for breakthrough, this approach is a game-changer.

⚡ 4 intensive sessions = 12 weeks of traditional therapy

🚀 Ready for Rapid, Lasting Change?

Accelerated Therapy for busy Los Angeles professionals and families


What is Accelerated Therapy?

Accelerated Therapy is an evidence-informed model that compresses the therapeutic timeline. You, your partner, or your family participate in focused, extended sessions, allowing for:

  • Deeper exploration of patterns, challenges, and goals in a single sitting
  • Reduced time lost to “restarting” each week
  • Faster momentum—crucial for those facing acute stress, major life transitions, or relationship crises
  • More flexible scheduling for busy professionals, parents, or families with limited availability

While this model isn’t brand new—intensive or marathon therapy formats are used in trauma treatment, couples work, and some forms of CBT—recent research suggests they can produce comparable or greater results in less time. (For example, intensive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for anxiety and trauma has demonstrated effectiveness in just a few sessions of extended length compared to standard weekly models.)

❌ Traditional Therapy Model

  • 12+ weeks of 1-hour sessions
  • Restarting context each week
  • Slower momentum building
  • 12+ trips to the office
  • Hard to fit into busy schedules

✓ Accelerated Therapy Model

  • 4 sessions of 3 hours each
  • Continuous momentum within sessions
  • Rapid breakthrough potential
  • Only 4 appointments total
  • Designed for busy professionals

How Does Accelerated Therapy Work?

Accelerated Therapy sessions in Los Angeles County are carefully structured to maximize effectiveness without overwhelming clients. A typical approach might involve four 3-hour sessions for individuals or couples, or two-hour sessions for families of up to three members. These extended blocks allow for:

🔗 Building Trust

Therapeutic momentum without frequent interruptions

🔍 Diving Deep

Into longstanding patterns, traumas, or conflicts

💪 Practicing Skills

Reinforcing new insights in real time

🎯 Integration

Time for reflection and planning next steps

This approach is especially helpful for:

  • Busy professionals who can’t commit to weekly therapy
  • Couples in crisis or preparing for major transitions
  • Families needing to address complex dynamics in fewer, but longer, meetings
  • Individuals wanting rapid relief from anxiety, trauma, or life stressors

What Does the Research Say?

Emerging evidence supports the value of intensive and accelerated therapy formats. For example, a 2022 review in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that intensive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) delivered in multi-hour sessions over a few weeks led to comparable or better outcomes for anxiety and trauma than traditional weekly models. Similarly, the Gottman Institute’s research on “Marathon Couples Therapy” shows that several hours of focused couples work can achieve breakthroughs that might otherwise take months of shorter sessions.

Intensive sessions are also used in trauma treatment protocols like EMDR, where extended processing time has been shown to help clients resolve core issues more quickly. Overall, studies suggest that for motivated clients, accelerated therapy can be both time-efficient and effective—especially when delivered by skilled, licensed clinicians who ensure sessions are paced safely and ethically.

📊 Evidence-Based Findings:

  • Journal of Anxiety Disorders (2022): Intensive CBT produced comparable or better outcomes than weekly therapy
  • Gottman Institute: Marathon couples therapy achieves breakthroughs faster than traditional sessions
  • EMDR protocols: Extended processing helps clients resolve trauma more quickly
  • Overall consensus: Motivated clients achieve time-efficient, effective results
Research AreaKey Findings
Anxiety & Trauma (CBT)Multi-hour sessions over a few weeks = comparable or better outcomes than weekly model
Couples TherapyMarathon sessions achieve breakthroughs that might take months in traditional format
Trauma Processing (EMDR)Extended sessions help clients resolve core issues more quickly
Client MotivationHigher motivation + skilled clinician = time-efficient, effective results

What to Expect in an Accelerated Therapy Session

1️⃣

Comprehensive Assessment

Your therapist spends extra time learning about your goals, history, and key challenges

2️⃣

Focused Interventions

Evidence-based methods like CBT, EFT, family systems, or trauma-informed care—tailored to you

3️⃣

Integration & Action

Sessions end with practical steps to apply between meetings and time to process emotional shifts

Sample Session Breakdown (3-Hour Session)

Hour 1

Check-in, assessment, goal-setting

Hour 2

Deep work, intervention, skill practice

Hour 3

Integration, action planning, reflection

*Breaks and pacing adjustments included throughout


Is Accelerated Therapy Right for You?

Accelerated Therapy may be a great fit if you:

✓ Great Fit If You:

  • Are motivated to make change quickly
  • Can handle longer, focused sessions
  • Need to work through urgent concerns (crisis, trauma, relationship decisions)
  • Have a demanding schedule
  • Prefer to accomplish more in fewer visits
  • Want to jump-start therapy before moving, traveling, or life changes

⚠️ May Not Be Ideal If You:

  • Have severe dissociation
  • Are dealing with active addiction
  • Have medical instability
  • Prefer shorter, more frequent check-ins
  • Need ongoing weekly support structure

Note: Your therapist will conduct a thorough screening to ensure this model is safe and effective for you.

💡 Your therapist will always conduct a thorough screening to ensure Accelerated Therapy is a safe and effective fit for your specific needs and circumstances.


Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Therapy

Is accelerated therapy covered by insurance?

Coverage varies. Many insurers see longer sessions as “extended psychotherapy” and may only reimburse part of the time, or not at all. Check with your provider and ask about your options for out-of-network reimbursement or health savings account use.

Will I feel overwhelmed during a 3-hour session?

Sessions are paced to include breaks, reflection, and self-care check-ins. Your therapist will work with you to set the right pace and adjust as needed for comfort and safety.

Can we switch to regular therapy after accelerated sessions?

Absolutely. Many clients use Accelerated Therapy for a “jump start,” then move to traditional weekly or biweekly meetings as goals evolve.

Is accelerated therapy right for teens or children?

While this model is usually designed for adults, older teens and families may benefit—especially in a family format. Suitability is always determined case by case.

How do I know if I’m ready for intensive sessions?

During your initial consultation, your therapist will assess your readiness, motivation, and specific needs. They’ll help you determine if accelerated therapy is the right fit or if traditional therapy would be more appropriate.

What’s the time commitment for a full accelerated therapy program?

A typical program consists of 4 sessions over 4-8 weeks (one session every 1-2 weeks). That’s 12 total hours compared to 12+ weeks of traditional therapy.


Make Real Progress—Fast

Accelerated Therapy offers a bold, efficient way to address big challenges—without months of waiting for progress. In a fast-paced place like Los Angeles County, this approach honors your need for meaningful breakthroughs and respects your time.

Perfect For:

✓ Individuals Overcoming Anxiety or Trauma
✓ Couples Ready to Repair and Grow
✓ Families Needing Deeper Connection
✓ Busy Professionals with Limited Time
✓ Anyone Seeking Rapid, Lasting Change

Or visit: cerevity.com

Whether you’re an individual hoping to overcome anxiety, a couple ready to repair and grow, or a family needing deeper connection, this model is designed to move you forward—quickly and compassionately.

✓ Evidence-Based Approach • ✓ Skilled Clinicians • ✓ Flexible Scheduling

Taking the Next Step: Accelerated Therapy in Los Angeles County

Accelerated Therapy offers a bold, efficient way to address big challenges—without months of waiting for progress. In a fast-paced place like Los Angeles County, this approach honors your need for meaningful breakthroughs and respects your time. Whether you’re an individual hoping to overcome anxiety, a couple ready to repair and grow, or a family needing deeper connection, this model is designed to move you forward—quickly and compassionately.

🚀 Ready to make real progress—fast? Connect with a CEREVITY Accelerated Therapy provider in Los Angeles County today.

Start Your Breakthrough Journey

📱 Call for Consultation:

(562) 295-6650

🌐 Get Started Online:

cerevity.com/get-started


Learn More from CEREVITY


About the Author: This article was written by Jordan Myers, LMFT, for Cerevity.com—offering accelerated therapy and breakthrough mental health services in Los Angeles County and across California.

Disclaimer: All content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice. If you are experiencing a crisis or urgent mental health need, please seek immediate help from a qualified provider or call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).