@Imadethisupwithnoforethought We actually just asked our psychologist this question. My husband was anxious that he’d have to go forever as his parents seemingly have (they seek a psychiatrists help along with others). She stated that some people get stuck in one of the stages of psychological awareness and don’t do the work to keep moving forward.
To answer your question, some people use therapy as a crutch and never want to rid themselves of the crutch. Others seek therapy for assistance only and need to go only a few times. Others work throught the four stages at their own pace while seeking therapy on & off throughout their progression.
If one needs meds for life, then they’ll need their psychiatrist to prescribe the meds, but may not need him/her for therapy.
EDIT: My son will go to therapy for at least another decade and a half to learn and develop social skills. If he does well, he could actually alter his diagnosis. If he keeps his current diagnosis, weekly therapy will keep him pharm-free. If he develops further diagnosises, he may need some occassional meds versus permanent lifetime medicinal needs.