There are many ways therapy can come to an end. The timing of an end may depend on the specific therapist's clinical approach or the organization they work for (e.g., some therapists only offer short-term therapy, and you will know ahead of time how many sessions are available, or some organizations have limits on the number of sessions). Ultimately, therapy can end when the therapist or the client decides it’s time.

When a therapist might choose to end services (these are just a few examples):

• If the therapist switches jobs, changes careers, or moves out of state

• If the therapist believes you need a clinician with more specialized services or a higher level of care (e.g., if they lack experience with eating disorders, substance use, or suicidality, or feel you’d be better served in an inpatient or intensive program)

• If a dual relationship arises that compromises the therapist's ability to maintain professional boundaries (e.g., becoming neighbors or dating a close friend/family member)

• If the therapist believes you have completed your therapy goals

If your therapist suggests ending services, you can expect:

• Plenty of notice (if possible)

• A clear reason for the suggestion

• Referrals to another therapist or organization, if you wish

• An offer for a last/closing/termination session (if possible)

You, as the client, can end services at any time for any reason. Here are some reasons you might choose to end therapy (these are not all the possibilities, but may give you some ideas):

• Your insurance changes

• You move to a different area and want to see someone closer by

• You can no longer fit therapy into your schedule

• You can no longer afford therapy

• You want to try a different type of therapy

• You feel therapy is no longer beneficial

• You feel that your current therapist is not the right fit for you

• You feel you’ve accomplished your therapy goals

If you’re ready to end therapy, here are some things to know:

• Don’t worry about your therapist’s feelings—they’re trained to manage their own emotions, and it’s their job to do so.

• You can share as much or as little about why you’re ending therapy as you’re comfortable with. If you choose to share, your therapist will appreciate it, but you don’t have to explain anything you don’t want to.

• You can end therapy in any way that feels good for you—whether by email, voicemail, text, phone call, or in person. You can decide to end therapy suddenly or give plenty of notice. This is your space, and you are in control of your boundaries.

What to expect in an ending session with me:

• I will start by checking if there is anything new that you would like to process or focus on from our last session.

• We will make time to celebrate your growth and acknowledge the work you’ve done in therapy. I’ll also express my care for you and my gratitude for having been a part of your journey.

• I’ll provide you with any additional resources or referrals that might help you as you continue on your path.

• I’ll ask several structured reflection questions during the closing session, including:

  • How are you feeling about therapy ending?

  • What growth or change have you noticed in yourself (even if not directly from therapy)? I’ll share how I’ve seen you grow as well.

  • How do you plan to continue growing and caring for yourself? Are there people or activities you want to turn to when things get tough?

  • Is there anything coming up soon that you’re worried about? Anything you want to plan for how to handle?

  • What are you looking forward to or excited about?