The Benefits of SST and OAAT Therapy in Improving Access to Care Amidst the Current Psychologist Waitlist Crisis
The demand for psychological services has skyrocketed in recent years, exacerbated by global crises, increasing awareness around mental health, and systemic barriers to care. As a result, many psychologists and mental health providers face a "waitlist crisis," leaving individuals in urgent need of support waiting weeks or even months for care.
In this challenging climate, Single Session Therapy (SST) and One-At-A-Time (OAAT) Therapy have emerged as innovative and effective service delivery models. These approaches are transforming access to mental health services, ensuring that individuals receive timely, impactful support without the prolonged wait.
What is Single Session Therapy (SST) / One-At-A-Time (OAAT) Therapy?
Single Session Therapy (SST) and One-At-A-Time Therapy (OAAT) focus on delivering therapeutic intervention in a single, focused session. Rather than adhering to traditional models of ongoing weekly therapy, SST and OAAT prioritize addressing immediate needs, identifying clear goals, and empowering clients with tools to make meaningful changes in a single interaction. Importantly, these sessions operate under the assumption that "one session might be all you need right now."
If further support is required, clients can seek additional sessions, but each session is treated as a self-contained unit. This flexible and pragmatic approach aligns with the needs of individuals who might not have the luxury of time, financial resources, or the ability to endure long waitlists.
Addressing the Waitlist Crisis: Timely and Effective Care
The current psychologist waitlist crisis reflects a mismatch between demand for care and available resources. Lengthy wait times often mean that individuals experience worsening symptoms or feel disillusioned with seeking support altogether. SST and OAAT present a solution that bridges this gap in care in several key ways:
Immediate Access to Support SST provides a framework that enables clients to access a therapist for a single, impactful session without committing to ongoing therapy. Many individuals face pressing challenges—relationship conflicts, stress, anxiety spikes, or grief—where timely intervention can prevent escalation and improve their ability to cope.
Reduced Waitlist Backlogs By offering focused, one-at-a-time sessions, psychologists can serve a higher volume of clients. Instead of holding spots for indefinite weekly appointments, SST allows therapists to see more individuals in need while maintaining the quality and effectiveness of care.
Empowerment Through Brief, Focused Intervention SST emphasizes clarity and action. Clients are encouraged to identify specific concerns and actionable goals during the session. Research shows that even a single therapeutic encounter can result in meaningful change, particularly when clients leave with practical tools, strategies, or a renewed sense of direction.
Addressing Stigma and Accessibility Many people hesitate to seek therapy due to stigma, financial limitations, or misconceptions that therapy requires long-term commitment. SST and OAAT break down these barriers by offering a low-pressure, accessible entry point into care. Clients can access help when they need it most without feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of long-term therapy.
Prevention of Symptom Escalation For individuals waiting months for care, symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or relationship distress can worsen. By offering timely support, SST helps individuals address issues early, mitigating the risk of more severe mental health challenges in the future.
Evidence Supporting Single Session Therapy
Contrary to the belief that effective therapy must be long-term, research consistently supports the efficacy of single-session interventions:
A significant proportion of clients (estimates range between 50-80%) report positive outcomes and noticeable improvement following just one session of therapy.
SST has been successfully implemented across diverse populations, including individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and adjustment-related stressors.
The structured and goal-oriented nature of SST ensures that sessions remain impactful and productive, maximizing value for both clients and clinicians.
The Role of SST in Modern Service Delivery Models
Incorporating SST into existing practice does not mean abandoning traditional therapy models. Instead, it represents a flexible addition to the mental health care continuum. For psychologists, SST can serve as an entry point for individuals who may later engage in ongoing therapy, or it can stand alone as a solution for immediate challenges.
Additionally, SST integrates seamlessly with telehealth services, further enhancing accessibility. Clients can engage in focused, one-at-a-time sessions from the comfort of their own homes, reducing logistical barriers such as travel time or childcare constraints.
Final Thoughts: A Pragmatic Solution to a Growing Crisis
In a world where access to mental health care remains a critical concern, Single Session Therapy (SST) and One-At-A-Time (OAAT) Therapy offer a pragmatic and client-centered solution. By reducing wait times, addressing immediate needs, and empowering individuals with actionable tools, SST demonstrates that meaningful change can occur in even a single session.
For psychologists navigating the current waitlist crisis, embracing SST allows for a more agile, responsive, and inclusive approach to care—one that meets individuals where they are and when they need it most.
The waitlist crisis may not disappear overnight, but SST and OAAT therapy models represent a hopeful step forward, ensuring that mental health care remains accessible, timely, and impactful for all.
References:
Hoyt, M.F., Bobele, M., Slive, A., Young, J., & Talmon, M. (Eds.). (2018). Single-Session Therapy by Walk-In or Appointment: Administrative, Clinical, and Supervisory Aspects of One-at-a Time Services. New York: Routledge
Talmon, M. (1990). Single Session Therapy: Maximising the Effect of the First (and Often Only) Therapeutic Encounter. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
