COURT ORDERED FAMILY THERAPY

REQUIREMENTS

PREFERENCES

HOW WE BEGIN

WHAT TO EXPECT

Family therapy is successful in cases where certain factors are present, thus I accept only cases where:

Both parents believe, and will affirm in writing, that relationship repair is in the child’s best interest. If there remains any question in a parent’s mind about this, a custody evaluation is likely appropriate before commencing family therapy.

Both parents are prepared to actively engage in therapy, attending sessions, assuring the child attends sessions, and making behavior change.

The case is filed in Oregon, and all family members will be physically present in Oregon for therapy services.

There are no pending DHS investigations or criminal proceedings (completed processes are fine).

Both parents are willing and able to pay for services. Court-ordered family therapy is not reimbursable with health insurance.

If there is or will be minor’s counsel appointed, that their approach is “best interests.”

There is a concurrent parenting plan in place stepping up from the presently exercised parenting time (even if none) to the ultimate desired parenting time.

I prefer cases where:

Both parties are represented by counsel

The court will retain ongoing jurisdiction and conduct periodic status checks to monitor progress.

There is a Parenting Coordinator or Therapeutic Interventionist appointed to the case

A custody and parenting time evaluation has been completed in the case, which affirms that a healthy parent-child relationship is in the child’s best interest, and ideally recommending family therapy as an intervention. The longer the period of no contact between the parent and child, the more important this is.

The first step is typically a meeting with both/all counsel on the case to ensure that my services are a good fit for the family. After this, I send the template order to counsel for review and customizing. Once we all agree on the final form of order, it is filed. I begin working with clients once the order is signed by a judge.

I typically begin with 1-3 individual sessions with each parent and each child as part of the initial assessment. I review pleadings and other documents provided by counsel and parties. I consult with others associated with the case (individual therapists, paernting time supervisors, Parenting Coordinator, and the like).

Thereafter, provided that the assessment has revealed no obstacles to proceeding in family therapy, the composition of the family therapy sessions will vary (for example: one parent and one child, one parent and both/all children, sibling group, coparents, both/all children and both/all parents).

If, however, the assessment yields contraindications to proceeding further, I will report that information, the causes, and recommendations for alternative processes to the parties and counsel.

Parents will schedule a regular, recurring weekly family therapy session. Additional sessions may be scheduled as needed.

Sessions can be over Zoom or in person, depending on client preference and clinical appropriateness. In most cases of this nature, some in person therapy is preferred.

As the case progresses and treatment goals are achieved, we typically will reduce the session frequency, first to every other week, then monthly, and then to an “as needed” basis until family therapy is no longer needed.

For Fees, see the FAQs page.