How long do people typically stay in psychiatric treatment?

I’m considering seeing a psychiatrist for anxiety and ongoing issues with stress that have been affecting my daily life, but one question keeps coming up in my mind. If I start psychiatric treatment, is it usually something that lasts for a few months, a few years, or even longer?

I realize there probably isn’t one answer that applies to everyone, but I’d like to get a realistic idea of what people have experienced. When I first thought about seeking help, I assumed treatment would involve a few appointments and a plan to get things back on track. The more I read, though, the more it seems like the timeline can vary a lot depending on the person and the condition being treated.

Part of my hesitation is not knowing what kind of commitment I’m signing up for. I’m willing to put in the effort if it helps, but I’d like to understand how treatment usually evolves over time. Do psychiatrists generally see patients more frequently at the beginning and then less often as things improve? Is there ever a point where treatment is considered complete, or do most people continue with occasional follow-up visits?

I’d really appreciate hearing from people who have gone through psychiatric treatment themselves. How long have you been seeing your psychiatrist, and did the length of treatment end up being what you expected when you first started?

Any personal experiences or perspectives would be helpful. I’m trying to set realistic expectations before taking the next step.