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Family Therapy
Families Are Complicated. Getting Help Does Not Have to Be.
Family therapy at Northeast Family Services brings everyone to the table. We help families communicate better, work through conflict, and support each other through the hard moments that every family faces.
- Available in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and New Hampshire.
Family Counseling
No referral needed
Insurance accepted
Why family therapy?
Every family goes through difficult periods. A child struggling in school or at home. A teenager pulling away. A loss that has changed the whole household. A parent dealing with something that is affecting everyone else. These are not signs of a broken family. They are signs that a family is under stress and could use some support.
Family therapy gives everyone in the household a chance to be heard, not just the person who seems to be struggling. Our clinicians work with the whole family unit to improve communication, reduce conflict, and build a stronger foundation for everyone.
Sessions are available in office and via telehealth across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and New Hampshire.
What Family Therapy Can Help With
Families come to us for many different reasons. Some of the most common include:
- A child or teen with behavioral or emotional challenges affecting the whole family
- Communication breakdowns between parents and children
- Conflict between siblings
- Adjusting to a major life change such as divorce, remarriage, a new baby, or a move
- Grief and loss affecting the family
- A parent dealing with mental health challenges and wanting support for the whole household
- Blended family dynamics
- Supporting a family member with a mental health diagnosis
Family therapy is not about pointing fingers. It is about helping everyone in the household understand each other better and learn how to work through problems together.
Who Participates in Family Therapy?
That depends on your family and what you are working through. Some sessions include the whole household. Others may focus on a parent and child, or two parents working together on how to support a child who is struggling. Your therapist will work with you to figure out the right structure for your family.
Children of all ages can participate in family therapy, including young children. Our therapists are skilled at creating a space where kids feel comfortable speaking up.
What to Expect
Your first session is a chance for your therapist to get to know your family: your history, what is going on right now, and what you are hoping to get out of therapy. It is a conversation, not an evaluation.
From there, your therapist will work with you to build a plan. Sessions are about 50 minutes. Most families meet weekly or every other week, and the length of treatment depends on what you are working through and how things progress.
Family therapy is available in office at our locations across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and New Hampshire. Virtual sessions are also available for families who prefer to meet from home.
How Family Therapy Works Alongside Individual Therapy
In many cases, a child or teen is already working with an individual therapist at Northeast Family Services when a family decides to add family therapy. This is a great combination. Your individual therapist and your family therapist coordinate closely so that everything is aligned and moving in the same direction.
If your child is already receiving in-home therapy, therapeutic mentoring, or another Northeast Family Services service, talk to your care team about adding family therapy. We make it easy to coordinate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Northeast Family Services offer family therapy?
Yes. We offer family therapy at our locations across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and New Hampshire, as well as via telehealth for families who prefer virtual sessions.
Who attends family therapy sessions?
It depends on what your family is working through. Some sessions include the whole household. Others may focus on a parent and child, or specific family members who are at the center of a conflict. Your therapist will work with you to figure out the right structure.
Can young children participate in family therapy?
Yes. Our therapists are skilled at working with children of all ages, including young children. They know how to create a space where kids feel comfortable and included in the conversation.
Is family therapy covered by Medicaid?
Yes. Family therapy through Northeast Family Services is covered by Medicaid and MassHealth for eligible clients. Coverage for commercial insurance plans varies. Contact us to verify your coverage.
What is the difference between family therapy and individual therapy?
Individual therapy focuses on one person working with a therapist on their own goals and challenges. Family therapy involves multiple family members working together with a therapist to improve communication, resolve conflict, and support one another. Both can be valuable, and many families use them together.
Can we do family therapy online?
Yes. Virtual family therapy sessions are available via secure, HIPAA-compliant video. Family members can join from the same location or from different locations if needed.
How long does family therapy typically last?
It varies based on what the family is working through. Some families see significant progress in a few months. Others find ongoing support helpful. Your therapist will set goals with you and check in on progress regularly so you always know where things stand.
What if one family member does not want to participate?
It is common for one person in a family to be hesitant about therapy. Your therapist can work with whoever is willing to attend and can help you think through how to encourage reluctant family members over time. Family therapy can still be productive even if not everyone is fully on board at the start.
Ready to get started?
No referral needed. We'll match you with the right therapist.
State Availability
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- New York
- New Hampshire
Insurance Accepted
We accept Medicaid and a wide range of commercial insurance plans.
Why Northeast Family Services?
- Founded 2003
- Hundreds of clinicians
- CARF accredited
- Serving 4 states
- Same-week availability
Ready to Get Started?
You do not need to have it all figured out before you reach out. Just tell us a little about your family and what is going on, and our intake team will match you with a therapist who is the right fit. Most families are seen within the same week.