Therapists in Downtown, San Francisco, CA

Photo of The Integrated Clinic, Psychologist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
The Integrated Clinic
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101
Our team comprises leading clinicians and researchers from allied fields including neuropsychology, cognitive rehabilitation, sleep & behavioral medicine, biofeedback, psychotherapy, psychiatry, child & family therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, educational therapy, and nutritional counseling.
The Integrated Clinic provides client-centered, collaborative, coordinated care to clients, leveraging the latest advances in neuroscience and technology in order to foster health, wellness, and performance. Together, we work synergistically to offer scientifically-informed and seamless care that promotes patient outcomes. Our Clinic team provides interdisciplinary services to foster health/wellness, education, and performance.
Our team comprises leading clinicians and researchers from allied fields including neuropsychology, cognitive rehabilitation, sleep & behavioral medicine, biofeedback, psychotherapy, psychiatry, child & family therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, educational therapy, and nutritional counseling.
The Integrated Clinic provides client-centered, collaborative, coordinated care to clients, leveraging the latest advances in neuroscience and technology in order to foster health, wellness, and performance. Together, we work synergistically to offer scientifically-informed and seamless care that promotes patient outcomes. Our Clinic team provides interdisciplinary services to foster health/wellness, education, and performance.
(310) 504-1936 View (310) 504-1936
Photo of Be Mindful and Well, PhD in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Be Mindful and Well, PhD
PhD
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
3- Grief and loss 4-Terminal illness 5- Family/Couples conflict and relationship issues 6- transition from school to college and adaptation to college.
We provide a holistic mental health coaching/counseling committed to personal, social and professional growth. Our professionals are expert professors, PhD, MA, BS in the field of health and counseling, and serving clients of all ages, and organizations for more than 20yrs.The center provides: 1- life coaching to women for varied health concerns: Nutritional counseling/ concerns for women, children, students, chronic diseases; Adaptation to pregnancy; Postpartum; menopause; Dealing with aging process; health concerns, and chronic diseases, parenting issues, adolescence challenges, body image, and skin problems and concerns.
3- Grief and loss 4-Terminal illness 5- Family/Couples conflict and relationship issues 6- transition from school to college and adaptation to college.
We provide a holistic mental health coaching/counseling committed to personal, social and professional growth. Our professionals are expert professors, PhD, MA, BS in the field of health and counseling, and serving clients of all ages, and organizations for more than 20yrs.The center provides: 1- life coaching to women for varied health concerns: Nutritional counseling/ concerns for women, children, students, chronic diseases; Adaptation to pregnancy; Postpartum; menopause; Dealing with aging process; health concerns, and chronic diseases, parenting issues, adolescence challenges, body image, and skin problems and concerns.
(617) 744-7497 View (617) 744-7497
Photo of Yu-An Wang, Counselor in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Yu-An Wang
Counselor, LMHC, LCPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
I am a clinician focused on both deep emotions and practical coping. My therapy style is to collaborate with Clients to find out what works for you the best. It usually arises naturally from our body as body is the container for whatever we've been through. I believe psychotherapy can foster our personal growth and empower us to reclaim our capability to nurture and take care ourselves. I am specialized to work on perfectionism, professionalism, depression, anxiety, panic attack, trauma, stress, autistic spectrum, emotional regulation, relationship, family of origin, and cultural/racial issues.
I am a clinician focused on both deep emotions and practical coping. My therapy style is to collaborate with Clients to find out what works for you the best. It usually arises naturally from our body as body is the container for whatever we've been through. I believe psychotherapy can foster our personal growth and empower us to reclaim our capability to nurture and take care ourselves. I am specialized to work on perfectionism, professionalism, depression, anxiety, panic attack, trauma, stress, autistic spectrum, emotional regulation, relationship, family of origin, and cultural/racial issues.
(425) 409-5873 View (425) 409-5873
Photo of Thomas Browne, Ph. D., Psychologist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Thomas Browne, Ph. D.
Psychologist, Ph, D
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94108
My work embraces two levels. 1. Licensed clinical psychologist with a range of classical methods. 2. Board Certified Senior Fellow in Medical Neurofeedback and QEEG (not consumer level for amusement/recreation). Clients develop a more powerful sense of relaxed self-esteem and an effective understanding of how to manage life traumas and stress more effectively. Several publications in mental health and medical neurofeedback. "The Encyclopedia of Mental Health", "Neurofeedback First 50 Years". The combination of clinical therapy and medical neurofeedback can be powerful, healing, and transformative in its ability to change lives.
My work embraces two levels. 1. Licensed clinical psychologist with a range of classical methods. 2. Board Certified Senior Fellow in Medical Neurofeedback and QEEG (not consumer level for amusement/recreation). Clients develop a more powerful sense of relaxed self-esteem and an effective understanding of how to manage life traumas and stress more effectively. Several publications in mental health and medical neurofeedback. "The Encyclopedia of Mental Health", "Neurofeedback First 50 Years". The combination of clinical therapy and medical neurofeedback can be powerful, healing, and transformative in its ability to change lives.
(415) 401-0777 View (415) 401-0777
Photo of Nick Wightman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Nick Wightman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94102
Deciding to start therapy is a sign of strength. I believe all people have a natural inclination toward growth and wholeness and sometimes things get in the way. Exploring these obstacles with compassion and courage can help you cultivate the most important relationship of your life -- your relationship with yourself. Whether your challenge is depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationships, addictions or career challenges, all you need to get started is the desire to change.
Deciding to start therapy is a sign of strength. I believe all people have a natural inclination toward growth and wholeness and sometimes things get in the way. Exploring these obstacles with compassion and courage can help you cultivate the most important relationship of your life -- your relationship with yourself. Whether your challenge is depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationships, addictions or career challenges, all you need to get started is the desire to change.
(510) 403-8480 View (510) 403-8480
Photo of Bedford Palmer, Psychologist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Bedford Palmer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work with a diverse clientele and specialize in providing social justice oriented psychotherapy to Black people and other POC, as well as members of LGBTQIA+ communities. I provide culturally responsive therapy, which focuses on the strengths you already have. I tend to use a cognitive-behavioral theoretical approach (CBT), while also paying attention to your environment and access to social support. I work with you to build a safe space where you can share your experiences without the fear of being judged, and where you can focus on becoming clear about what you want, and how you want to go about making that happen.
I work with a diverse clientele and specialize in providing social justice oriented psychotherapy to Black people and other POC, as well as members of LGBTQIA+ communities. I provide culturally responsive therapy, which focuses on the strengths you already have. I tend to use a cognitive-behavioral theoretical approach (CBT), while also paying attention to your environment and access to social support. I work with you to build a safe space where you can share your experiences without the fear of being judged, and where you can focus on becoming clear about what you want, and how you want to go about making that happen.
(510) 298-3362 View (510) 298-3362
Photo of Alexis Sword, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Alexis Sword
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
Over 2,600 5-star reviews doing remote therapy.  2019 and 2022 business Award for Excellence in Psychotherapy!  Treating: Adults and Children via Remote Therapy ages 9-99yrs. 25+yrs experience using a mind, body and soul approach. Specialty: Depression, ADHD, Anxiety & Trauma.   As a survivor herself of child abuse, rape and kidnapping her use of both traditional therapy and Eastern knowledge from studies with Tibetan Monks in India and Shamans in Central America, has lead to hundreds of clients with amazing results.
Over 2,600 5-star reviews doing remote therapy.  2019 and 2022 business Award for Excellence in Psychotherapy!  Treating: Adults and Children via Remote Therapy ages 9-99yrs. 25+yrs experience using a mind, body and soul approach. Specialty: Depression, ADHD, Anxiety & Trauma.   As a survivor herself of child abuse, rape and kidnapping her use of both traditional therapy and Eastern knowledge from studies with Tibetan Monks in India and Shamans in Central America, has lead to hundreds of clients with amazing results.
(310) 340-0671 View (310) 340-0671
Photo of Michelle Taylor, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Michelle Taylor
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101
Accepting new clients/couples NOW- Online Video Therapy - Couples and individuals! I am a direct, tell-it-how-it-is therapist. I don't want you to be in therapy forever... we get straight to the root, do the work, get the skills you need and you become your own therapist. 8-10 sessions is the goal. If you're not ready to do the work, I'm not the therapist for you. But, if you're ready to step into courage and out of comfort, I'm ready to charge the storm with you. Couples like my straightforward approach, giving you the proven communication skills for healthier relationships. Do the hard, courageous thing and email me.
Accepting new clients/couples NOW- Online Video Therapy - Couples and individuals! I am a direct, tell-it-how-it-is therapist. I don't want you to be in therapy forever... we get straight to the root, do the work, get the skills you need and you become your own therapist. 8-10 sessions is the goal. If you're not ready to do the work, I'm not the therapist for you. But, if you're ready to step into courage and out of comfort, I'm ready to charge the storm with you. Couples like my straightforward approach, giving you the proven communication skills for healthier relationships. Do the hard, courageous thing and email me.
(562) 317-7556 View (562) 317-7556
Photo of The Mindful Lemon , Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
(341) 888-7667 View (341) 888-7667
Photo of Celeste Viramontes, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Celeste Viramontes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
I believe that each of us has the capacity to heal from our experiences, no matter how difficult, or traumatic. The thought of sharing those experiences with another may feel too personal, and may invoke pain, but it is the beginning of your healing journey. My goals are to help you define your journey and provide a space where you feel seen, validated, and above all else, safe along the way.
I believe that each of us has the capacity to heal from our experiences, no matter how difficult, or traumatic. The thought of sharing those experiences with another may feel too personal, and may invoke pain, but it is the beginning of your healing journey. My goals are to help you define your journey and provide a space where you feel seen, validated, and above all else, safe along the way.
(559) 527-0669 View (559) 527-0669
Photo of Suhadee (Su) Henriquez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Suhadee (Su) Henriquez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94102
My diverse background has allowed me to help individuals around the world to reach their personal goals and guide them, step-by-step, to achieve higher levels of success. I am a psychotherapist specialized in helping those struggling with daily stressors, depression/anxiety, relationship difficulties, chronic pain, and problems associated (e.g. career, college) eating issues, substance abuse, as well as suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors. I have particular expertise in working with individuals from a multicultural perspective, including but not limited to, LGBT populations and providing psychotherapy in Spanish"
My diverse background has allowed me to help individuals around the world to reach their personal goals and guide them, step-by-step, to achieve higher levels of success. I am a psychotherapist specialized in helping those struggling with daily stressors, depression/anxiety, relationship difficulties, chronic pain, and problems associated (e.g. career, college) eating issues, substance abuse, as well as suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors. I have particular expertise in working with individuals from a multicultural perspective, including but not limited to, LGBT populations and providing psychotherapy in Spanish"
(332) 249-8411 View (332) 249-8411
Photo of Paula Ramos, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Paula Ramos
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
Life is about maintaining balance in all aspects, through love. There is so much out there to learn and grow from, so why not have fun doing it? A little about me: I love going to CrossFit every morning. I am a huge nerd, constantly listening to audibles and/or podcasts such as Huberman Lab and non-fiction books. I enjoy being outdoors: snowboarding, motorcycle/dirt biking, hiking, any movement, &traveling. My parents are from Peru, so I visit there often. Tambien hablo español! Therapy can help your understanding of where your emotions come from connecting the past to the present, and decreasing the intensity by making sense of it.
Life is about maintaining balance in all aspects, through love. There is so much out there to learn and grow from, so why not have fun doing it? A little about me: I love going to CrossFit every morning. I am a huge nerd, constantly listening to audibles and/or podcasts such as Huberman Lab and non-fiction books. I enjoy being outdoors: snowboarding, motorcycle/dirt biking, hiking, any movement, &traveling. My parents are from Peru, so I visit there often. Tambien hablo español! Therapy can help your understanding of where your emotions come from connecting the past to the present, and decreasing the intensity by making sense of it.
(951) 397-0447 View (951) 397-0447
Photo of Danika Grundemann, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Danika Grundemann
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with folx who identify with the following communities: ethical non-monogamy (ENM), polyamory, kink, BDSM, and LGBTQA+ and who are struggling with anxiety, depression and a history of trauma. I think of psychotherapy as a necessary form of social activism toward a larger goal of equity for people of all races, genders, sexual/relational orientations, levels of ability, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Let's work together to bring you back to yourself, your relationships and your community!
I specialize in working with folx who identify with the following communities: ethical non-monogamy (ENM), polyamory, kink, BDSM, and LGBTQA+ and who are struggling with anxiety, depression and a history of trauma. I think of psychotherapy as a necessary form of social activism toward a larger goal of equity for people of all races, genders, sexual/relational orientations, levels of ability, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Let's work together to bring you back to yourself, your relationships and your community!
(415) 650-4946 View (415) 650-4946
Photo of Tobin Shelton, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Tobin Shelton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, MPH
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101
I am a bilingual psychotherapist for individuals and couples who have a range of life experiences and concerns. I work primarily face-to-face in St. Paul and offer phone or video sessions for people living in California and Minnesota. My approach to therapy emphasizes trust and awareness in the process of healing. I believe that therapy can be fun, challenging, and rewarding. I will honor your lived experiences, laugh with you, and support your growth.
I am a bilingual psychotherapist for individuals and couples who have a range of life experiences and concerns. I work primarily face-to-face in St. Paul and offer phone or video sessions for people living in California and Minnesota. My approach to therapy emphasizes trust and awareness in the process of healing. I believe that therapy can be fun, challenging, and rewarding. I will honor your lived experiences, laugh with you, and support your growth.
(651) 661-5778 View (651) 661-5778
Photo of Claudius Johnson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Claudius Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SAP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94102
Not accepting new clients
I provide individual and group supervision to •Associate Social Workers •Associate Marriage & Family Therapy Therapist •Associate Professional Clinical Counselors & Drug and Alcohol Counselors.
Sorry, I’m not taking on new clients. Congratulations, you found a compassionate and affirming therapist. As you're reading this I understand it maybe with some degree of ambivalence. To that end, my immediate goal is to connect and reflect with you in ways that are safe, respectful and trusting. Only then can we have a meaningful, therapeutic-relationship that's open to collaboration, exploration, and revelation. This is where we "Make the road as we walk it", and I champion your journey, where ever it leads. I value the creative and growth potential of every human being. How can I best support you?
I provide individual and group supervision to •Associate Social Workers •Associate Marriage & Family Therapy Therapist •Associate Professional Clinical Counselors & Drug and Alcohol Counselors.
Sorry, I’m not taking on new clients. Congratulations, you found a compassionate and affirming therapist. As you're reading this I understand it maybe with some degree of ambivalence. To that end, my immediate goal is to connect and reflect with you in ways that are safe, respectful and trusting. Only then can we have a meaningful, therapeutic-relationship that's open to collaboration, exploration, and revelation. This is where we "Make the road as we walk it", and I champion your journey, where ever it leads. I value the creative and growth potential of every human being. How can I best support you?
(510) 306-1799 View (510) 306-1799

Online Therapists

Photo of Carter Care Therapeutic Services, Margena Carter, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Carter Care Therapeutic Services, Margena Carter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111
Carter Care offers Individual, Couples, Family & Group Therapy for adults and children.
Are you interested in living life to the fullest but struggle to achieve it? You've taken the first steps towards healing. Carter Care Therapeutic Services is dedicated to you! Regardless of what you're going through, our team of Licensed Therapist will strive to bring out the best in you. You're not alone. We can assist you in resolving your past pain! We will affirm your strengths and challenge you to use them. While promoting insight, healing and change in an environment full of warmth and genuineness. Carter Care Therapist are here to provide a safe, unbiased and non-judgmental environment.
Carter Care offers Individual, Couples, Family & Group Therapy for adults and children.
Are you interested in living life to the fullest but struggle to achieve it? You've taken the first steps towards healing. Carter Care Therapeutic Services is dedicated to you! Regardless of what you're going through, our team of Licensed Therapist will strive to bring out the best in you. You're not alone. We can assist you in resolving your past pain! We will affirm your strengths and challenge you to use them. While promoting insight, healing and change in an environment full of warmth and genuineness. Carter Care Therapist are here to provide a safe, unbiased and non-judgmental environment.
(415) 319-9641 View (415) 319-9641
Photo of Leila Kakunda, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Leila Kakunda
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
Hi there and welcome! I am Leila, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in San Francisco. Over the last several years, I have supported my clients with anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, relationship issues, trauma and life's transitions. My style of therapy is relational, strength based and integrative. Through the therapeutic relationship and collaborating on practices like self-compassion, body-mind integration, and boundary-setting, I support my clients on their paths to finding relief from their symptoms and building a sense of empowerment.
Hi there and welcome! I am Leila, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in San Francisco. Over the last several years, I have supported my clients with anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, relationship issues, trauma and life's transitions. My style of therapy is relational, strength based and integrative. Through the therapeutic relationship and collaborating on practices like self-compassion, body-mind integration, and boundary-setting, I support my clients on their paths to finding relief from their symptoms and building a sense of empowerment.
(415) 660-9615 View (415) 660-9615
Photo of Gina Sunie Lopez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Gina Sunie Lopez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, NCSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94124  (Online Only)
Areas of expertise include; developmental psychology, family and relational systems, crisis intervention, and mood & anxiety disorders.
I believe that therapists and clients are partners in the therapeutic process, and that a client centered approach is best for promoting growth and wellbeing. Your personal goals guide us through the process, and we work together to help you reach them in a compassionate and honest way.
Areas of expertise include; developmental psychology, family and relational systems, crisis intervention, and mood & anxiety disorders.
I believe that therapists and clients are partners in the therapeutic process, and that a client centered approach is best for promoting growth and wellbeing. Your personal goals guide us through the process, and we work together to help you reach them in a compassionate and honest way.
(510) 947-8569 View (510) 947-8569
Photo of Jessica McGowen, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Jessica McGowen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
I hold a speciality in family infant mental health which allows me to work with couples during the prenatal / postpartum and children 0-3 yrs .
I have 20 years of experience but I don't believe that says anything unless I can relate, connect and feel with my clients. I can be professional when necessary but I am better at just being real. I am not everyones therapist and I am okay with it. I engage in the conversation with respect and authenticity. I'm direct with the intention to help and shift the issues in a place for change . I am good at what I do and passionate about helping people through pain.
I hold a speciality in family infant mental health which allows me to work with couples during the prenatal / postpartum and children 0-3 yrs .
I have 20 years of experience but I don't believe that says anything unless I can relate, connect and feel with my clients. I can be professional when necessary but I am better at just being real. I am not everyones therapist and I am okay with it. I engage in the conversation with respect and authenticity. I'm direct with the intention to help and shift the issues in a place for change . I am good at what I do and passionate about helping people through pain.
(415) 529-8891 View (415) 529-8891
Photo of Campbell Teen & Family Therapy, Inc. , Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Campbell Teen & Family Therapy, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94112
At Campbell Teen & Family Therapy, our staff members are like minded and believe that supporting a teen sometimes takes a village.
Isolation is hard. Being a Teen is hard. School pressure to perform well is high. Liking your body often seems impossible. Socializing has challenges. Past bullying can be traumatic. Do you want to learn knew coping skills? Do you need to heal from past events that are painful? Do you want to reduce your stress? Parenting a teen is hard, there is no manual and not as much parent contact as in elementary school. Getting enough self care as a parent can seem impossible but it is necessary, especially in the time of the COVID crisis. Telehealth is available!
At Campbell Teen & Family Therapy, our staff members are like minded and believe that supporting a teen sometimes takes a village.
Isolation is hard. Being a Teen is hard. School pressure to perform well is high. Liking your body often seems impossible. Socializing has challenges. Past bullying can be traumatic. Do you want to learn knew coping skills? Do you need to heal from past events that are painful? Do you want to reduce your stress? Parenting a teen is hard, there is no manual and not as much parent contact as in elementary school. Getting enough self care as a parent can seem impossible but it is necessary, especially in the time of the COVID crisis. Telehealth is available!
(669) 221-8646 View (669) 221-8646

See more therapy options for Downtown, San Francisco

Family Therapy

What do family therapists do?

A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.

How long does therapy for families take to work?

Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.

How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?

You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.

Is therapy for families effective?

Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.