What Is a Family Therapy Program?

A family therapy program is a form of psychotherapy focusing on improving the functioning and relationships within a family system. It addresses issues and conflicts affecting the entire family rather than focusing solely on individual members. The program typically involves the participation of multiple family members, although individual sessions may also be included.

Below are some common goals for family therapy:

Improve communication: Enhance the quality and communication skills within the family, promoting open and respectful dialogue, active listening, and understanding.
Enhance problem-solving skills: Develop effective problem-solving strategies and techniques to address conflicts and challenges within the family unit.
Strengthen family relationships: Improve the quality of relationships and enhance bonds among family members, fostering trust, empathy, and support.
Establish healthy boundaries: Define and maintain appropriate boundaries within the family, ensuring individual autonomy while promoting interconnectedness and respect.
Address family conflicts: Identify and address sources of conflict within the family system, working towards resolution and reconciliation.
Enhance parenting skills: Improve parenting strategies, techniques, and approaches to create a nurturing and supportive environment for children and adolescents.
Promote family resilience: Build the family's ability to adapt and cope with stressors and challenges, promoting resilience and overall well-being.
Increase understanding and empathy: Enhance family members' understanding of each other's perspectives, experiences, and needs, fostering empathy and compassion.
Manage and cope with transitions: Support the family in navigating significant life transitions such as divorce, remarriage, relocation, or loss, promoting healthy adjustment and coping strategies.
Foster individual growth: Encourage personal growth and development of family members, supporting their individual goals, aspirations, and self-care.
Develop a relapse prevention plan: In cases of substance abuse or addiction, create a relapse prevention plan that involves the family, identifies triggers, and establishes strategies to support recovery.

Licensed therapists, such as psychologists, marriage and family therapists, or social workers, can conduct family therapy programs.[i] Programs may be offered in various settings, including private practices, mental health clinics, hospitals, or community centers.

During family therapy sessions, the therapist creates a safe and supportive environment where each family member can express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. The therapist may facilitate discussions, provide education about healthy communication and problem-solving techniques, and offer strategies for resolving conflicts. In addition, a qualified therapist may use attachment theory to identify and explore the underlying dynamics contributing to your and your family's issues.

Programs for family therapy are highly personalized, and the precise objectives and methods used may change and vary according to your family's particular requirements. However, all family members' commitment and participation are essential for the therapy program to be successful.

Do Family Therapy Programs Help with Drug or Alcohol Addiction?

Yes, family therapy for substance use disorders can be beneficial. The entire family structure is often impacted by substance abuse, which results in tense interactions, poor communication, and enabling behavior. Family therapy for substance abuse addresses these issues collectively by acknowledging the connection between family dynamics and addiction.

Education and awareness: Family therapy teaches about addiction, its impacts on people and families, and recovery. It aids in educating family members on the nature of addiction and its underlying causes and triggers. This information promotes an environment of support, fosters empathy, and lessens stigma.
Communication and boundary-setting: Abuse of drugs or alcohol can significantly hinder family communication. Family counseling programs teach communication skills to help family members interact more effectively. These programs can also teach better methods to express needs, wants, and concerns and help set clear boundaries, roles, and responsibilities by minimizing enabling behaviors that might feed an addiction.
Addressing family dynamics: Family therapy examines the particular characteristics of the family unit and pinpoints any potential links to the addiction cycle. Families with substance abuse problems can identify problematic patterns of interaction and change them with the aid of a therapist. This may entail conflict resolution, enhancing problem-solving abilities, and fostering better interpersonal dynamics.
Support and coping strategies: Family therapy can provide family members with a secure place to share feelings, anxieties, and concerns about addiction. Therapists provide direction and impart knowledge on how to deal with stress, take better care of oneself, and build resilience.
Relapse prevention: Family therapy programs emphasize relapse prevention by involving the family in the recovery process. Therapists educate family members about potential triggers and signs of relapse and teach them strategies to support their loved one in maintaining sobriety. Family therapy can also provide ongoing support for the individual in recovery.

Family therapy is often used with other forms of substance abuse counseling, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Substance abuse treatment and family therapy address the family system while significantly enhancing the overall effectiveness of addiction treatment, contributing to long-term recovery outcomes. If you're not sure whether you or a loved one has an addiction problem, you can get in touch for a drug and alcohol assessment at a Virtue Recovery Center near you.

Do Family Therapy Programs Help with Mental Illness Recovery?

Yes, family therapy programs can be helpful for those with mental illness as they heal. Mental health issues substantially affect family dynamics, relationships, and the general functioning of everyone involved. Family therapy acknowledges the influence of the family system on mental health and seeks to enhance family members' comprehension, cooperation, and support.

However, it’s important to note that family therapy does not replace individual therapy or other necessary treatments for mental illness. Instead, it complements these interventions by addressing the family system's impact and fostering a supportive and conducive environment for the individual's recovery journey.

Here are some ways in which family therapy programs can help with mental illness recovery:

Psychoeducation: Family therapy programs provide education and information about the specific mental health condition, its symptoms, and treatment options. This helps family members better understand the illness, reduce stigma, and develop empathy and support for their loved ones.
Enhanced communication: Mental illness can strain communication within a family, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and a breakdown in trust. Family therapy helps improve communication skills, allowing family members to express their concerns, emotions, and needs effectively. In addition, by fostering open and respectful dialogue, family therapy promotes understanding and collaboration in supporting the individual's recovery.
Supportive environment: Family therapy provides a safe and supportive space for individuals with mental illness and their family members. It offers a non-judgmental setting where everyone can share their experiences, fears, and challenges related to the condition. This emotional support helps reduce isolation, enhances coping skills, and promotes a sense of togetherness.
Family dynamics and problem-solving: Family therapy explores the impact of mental illness on family dynamics and helps identify and modify dysfunctional patterns. The therapist assists in problem-solving and conflict resolution, teaching family members healthier ways to address challenges. By improving family functioning, the therapy program can create a more supportive environment for the individual's recovery.
Treatment adherence and relapse prevention: Family therapy can play a vital role in promoting treatment adherence and preventing relapse. It involves the family in the treatment process, helping them understand the importance of medication compliance, therapy attendance, and other aspects of treatment. In addition, family members can provide support, encouragement, and accountability to ensure the individual stays on track with their recovery goals.
Long-term support: Family therapy programs often provide ongoing support and resources for the family beyond the initial treatment phase. This support can include referrals to support groups, educational materials, and community resources. By establishing a network of ongoing support, family therapy helps maintain the progress achieved during treatment and sustains recovery.

Does Insurance Cover Family Therapy Treatment Programs?

Insurance coverage for family therapy treatment can vary depending on the provider, your location, and other factors. Generally, insurance plans provide coverage for family therapy as part of mental health or behavioral health benefits. However, the extent of coverage and the conditions may differ.

We can provide you with all the details about your coverage, any limitations or requirements, and help you understand the reimbursement process. Call 866-461-3339 now to determine the specifics of your insurance coverage.

In addition, here are some points to consider regarding insurance coverage for family therapy:

Coverage under mental health benefits: Most health insurance plans provide mental health benefits, which include family therapy. These benefits may cover a specific number of sessions and a percentage of the total cost.
Pre-authorization and referrals: Certain insurance plans may require pre-authorization or a referral from a primary care physician or mental health professional to get coverage for family therapy. This ensures the treatment is medically necessary and meets the plan's criteria.
In-network vs. out-of-network providers: Insurance plans usually have a list of preferred providers. By choosing an in-network family therapist, you can expect to receive more comprehensive coverage and potentially pay less out-of-pocket. However, if you choose to work with a therapist who is not on the preferred list, your coverage may be limited, and you may end up responsible for a higher percentage of the costs.
Co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance: You may still incur out-of-pocket expenses such as co-pays, deductibles, or co-insurance.
Medical necessity and documentation: Most insurance plans will only cover family therapy if there is evidence of medical necessity. Therapists may need to provide documentation, treatment plans, or progress reports for support. Collaborating with the therapist and insurance provider is essential to ensure all necessary documentation is delivered promptly.

Insurance coverage can be complex, and policies may vary. Therefore, it's important to carefully review your insurance plan, ask questions, and advocate for the coverage you need. Additionally, other financial assistance options may be available, such as sliding scale fees or financial aid programs, which can help make family therapy more affordable if insurance coverage is limited or unavailable.

We can thoroughly review your insurance details with you over the phone so there are no surprises down the road. Call 866-461-3339.

How Much Does a Family Therapy Treatment Program Cost?

The cost of a family therapy treatment program can vary depending on several factors, including the location, the credentials and experience of the therapist, and other variables. Cost can also be influenced by whether you have insurance coverage and your policy details. On average, family therapy can range from $70 - $250 an hour.¹

The cost should be weighed against the potential benefits and long-term impact on family dynamics and well-being. If cost is a concern, exploring different options, such as sliding scale fees, community mental health centers, or non-profit organizations that offer therapy services, can be helpful.

Below are some additional factors to consider regarding the potential expenses of a family therapy program:

Insurance coverage: Your health insurance may cover family therapy for mental health, but coverage and requirements can vary. Allow us to verify your insurance so you can learn more about co-pays, deductibles, and session limits.
In-network vs. out-of-network providers: Selecting an in-network therapist can result in more extensive insurance coverage and lower out-of-pocket expenses. On the other hand, choosing an out-of-network provider may lead to limited coverage and higher costs for which you may be liable.
Sliding scale or reduced fees: Family therapy may become more affordable, with some therapists or treatment centers offering sliding scale fees based on income or financial need.
Additional costs: Discuss potential extra costs, such as assessments, specialized treatments, and materials, with the therapist or treatment center before starting a family therapy program.

We can conduct a remote free assessment. Additionally, we can work with you to develop an affordable payment plan to ease any financial burden.

Does Health Insurance Cover Family Therapy?

If you have a health insurance plan with one of the providers listed below, you can read our guide to find out if your coverage includes drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs.

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How to Find a Family Therapy Treatment Center Near Me

Virtue Recovery Center has saved individuals from addiction and substance abuse for years with accredited treatment facilities in multiple states. Our treatment facilities and expert staff can provide the compassion and care your family needs.

Call 866-461-3339, or feel free to visit one of our brick-and-mortar locations below:

Recovery Centers in Arizona

Chandler, Arizona: 111 S Hearthstone Way, Chandler, AZ 85226, United States
Sun City West, Arizona: 13951 W Meeker Blvd, Sun City West, AZ 85375, United States

Recovery Centers in Texas

Houston, Texas: 9714 S Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77071, United States
Killeen, Texas: 5200 S W S Young Dr, Killeen, TX 76542, United States

Recovery Centers in Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada: 9230 Corbett St, Las Vegas, NV 89149, United States

Recovery Centers in Oregon

Astoria, Oregon: 263 W Exchange St, Astoria, OR 97103, United States

How Long is Rehabilitaion Treatment?

How Long are Family Therapy Programs?

The length of rehabilitation programs vary based on individual needs and the severity of the addiction. Below are some typical recovery treatment timeframes.

Short-term rehab programs

Short-term drug and alcohol rehab is a fast-paced, intensive treatment program for substance abuse, typically lasting up to 30 days, designed to provide immediate intervention and a foundation for ongoing recovery.

Learn more: Short-Term Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs Near Me

30-day rehab programs

A 30-day substance addiction rehab is an intensive, short-term treatment program for substance abuse, designed to provide immediate crisis intervention and a foundation for long-term recovery.

Learn more: 28-Day / 30-Day (1 Month) Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs Near Me

Long-term rehab programs

Long-term drug and alcohol addiction rehab is a comprehensive treatment program for substance abuse, typically lasting several months to a year, designed to provide sustained therapeutic support and life skills training for lasting recovery.

Learn more: Long-Term Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs Near Me

60-day rehab programs

A 60-day substance abuse rehab is an extended treatment program for substance abuse, providing comprehensive therapy and support to foster sustained recovery and prevent relapse.

Learn more: 60-Day (2-Month) Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Addiction Rehab Centers Near Me

90-day rehab programs

A 90-day alcohol and drug rehab is a long-term, intensive treatment program for substance abuse, designed to provide in-depth therapy and support to help individuals achieve lasting recovery.

Learn more: 90-Day (3-Month) Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs Near Me

Why Is Family Therapy Important in Recovery?

Because long-term recovery from addiction is an ongoing process that requires continuous support and maintenance, family therapy plays an essential role in recovery. Family involvement in treatment can be a crucial component of the process, as it provides ongoing support and resources.

Family therapy programs often offer education, resources, and support to help families navigate the challenges that may arise after formal treatment. This sustained support can contribute significantly to an individual's long-term recovery and overall well-being. By working together, families and individuals can continue to move forward on the path toward a healthier, happier future.

Family therapy recognizes the integral role of the family in the recovery process. It promotes understanding, communication, and healthy dynamics within the family system, creating a supportive foundation of empowerment.

Family Therapy Treatment Process and Schedule

The family therapy treatment process and schedule can vary depending on your family's specific needs and goals, as well as the approach and preferences of the therapist. However, below is a general overview of what you can expect during the family therapy treatment process:

Below is a general overview of what you can expect during the family therapy treatment process:

Initial assessment: The therapy process usually starts with an initial evaluation or intake session, where the therapist gathers information about your family's concerns, dynamics, and objectives. This session allows the therapist to understand your family's history, relationships, and any issues requiring addressing.
Goal setting and treatment planning: After the assessment, the therapist will work closely with your family to identify treatment goals and create a personalized plan. These goals will be specific to your family’s needs and focus on the desired outcomes. The treatment plan will serve as a guide for therapy sessions and will help steer the overall treatment process.
Regular therapy sessions: Family therapy typically involves regular sessions at scheduled intervals, again, based on your family's needs and availability. It’s common to begin with weekly sessions that last around 50-60 minutes, although longer sessions may be scheduled for more intensive or specialized treatment approaches.
Active participation and engagement: All family members are encouraged to actively participate and share thoughts, feelings, and concerns during therapy. The therapist moderates the discussions, guides your family, and promotes active listening and empathy.
Therapeutic techniques and interventions: The therapist uses various techniques and interventions to address a family’s specific concerns and goals. These techniques may include communication exercises, role-playing, problem-solving strategies, behavior modification techniques, and psychoeducation tailored to your family's unique needs and preferences.
Homework and practice outside of sessions: Family therapy often involves assigning homework or practice exercises for family members to work on between sessions. These assignments may include practicing new communication skills, implementing problem-solving strategies, or engaging in activities that promote positive interactions and bonding.
Progress evaluation and adjustments: The therapist regularly evaluates your family's progress toward their goals throughout the therapy process. Feedback and discussion with your family help determine if adjustments need to be made to the treatment plan or therapeutic approach. Flexibility is important, as therapy may evolve and adapt based on your family's changing needs and progress.

The duration of a family therapy program can vary depending on the complexity of the issues and the progress made. It could last a few months, several months, or even longer. Ultimately, your family's requirements, goals, and progress are considered while deciding on the therapeutic timeline.

What Are Some Commonly Used Methods of Family Therapy?

Family therapy incorporates various therapeutic methods and approaches for addressing the specific needs of families.

Here are some examples of commonly used methods in family therapy:¹

Structural Family Therapy: This method improves family structure and organization by identifying and modifying it. The therapist helps family members understand their roles, boundaries, and hierarchies. By restructuring these patterns, the therapist aims to enhance communication and problem-solving.²
Strategic Family Therapy: Therapists use strategies to help families make positive changes in communication, problem-solving, and behaviors. Tasks or directives may be given to family members to address specific issues.³
Narrative Therapy: Narrative therapy focuses on examining and changing families' dominant stories or narratives, helping them see problems as separate from their identities. This promotes empowerment, resilience, and positive changes.⁴
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Therapists help families recognize their strengths and resources to achieve practical and attainable goals in brief, future-oriented sessions. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is particularly helpful for families dealing with co-occurring conditions, which means someone within the family has an addiction and another mental health condition.
Multisystemic therapy (MST): An MST program uses goal-oriented tactics and family-strengthening methods to persuade adolescents with substance use disorders, aggressive behaviors, and/or criminal histories to change.⁵
Systemic Family Therapy (SFT): Also known as family systems therapy, SFT focuses on the family system as a whole. The family systems theory views the family as a complex system with interconnected relationships and patterns, exploring how family dynamics, roles, and communication patterns influence individual behavior and difficulties.
Multigenerational Therapy: Also known as Bowenian therapy or Bowen Family Systems Therapy, multigenerational therapy focuses on understanding the patterns and dynamics within families across multiple generations.⁶
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): EFT helps families improve emotional connections and relationships by examining and communicating emotions, needs, and attachment patterns.⁷
Collaborative Therapy: Collaborative therapy is a cooperative approach that values family expertise and perspectives. It emphasizes mutual respect, active listening, and shared decision-making to foster collaboration, empowerment, and ownership of the therapeutic process within the family.⁸
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Although CBT is often considered individual therapy, it can be modified for family therapy. Cognitive therapy identifies and changes negative thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that lead to family issues. The therapist assists family members in recognizing harmful patterns, developing coping mechanisms, and promoting positive and adaptive interactions.⁹
Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT): This technique systematically teaches relatives of people with substance use disorder (SUD) how to utilize positive reinforcement to persuade their loved ones to modify their drug use ¹⁰
Functional Family Therapy (FFT): An intense, short-term therapeutic program that provides in-home family counseling is created to handle adolescent delinquency from a relational, family-based viewpoint, including referral behaviors like curfew breaches, running away, and truancy.¹¹

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Some Statistics and Information About Family Therapy

Family therapy can influence an addict’s decision to enter or continue treatment. It can lessen their likelihood of discontinuing therapy. Additionally, it can diminish their continuous use of alcohol or drugs, prevent relapse, and encourage sustained recovery.
Family counseling can lower adolescents’ risk for various mental health conditions.¹
According to 2019 research, family therapy is an effective way to deal with problems involving children, such as behavior problems, substance abuse, criminal behavior, and depression.²
Regardless of gender, family therapy is helpful for adolescents with mental health conditions.³
According to research, Brief Strategic Family Therapy provides lasting advantages. The short- and long-term reduction in arrests and imprisonment was more successful than standard treatments, including group therapy and parent education groups.⁴
Research overwhelmingly favors multi-systems and family-based methods for treating adolescent substance abuse.⁵
According to empirical data gathered over the past ten years and examined in a current study, including family members in substance abuse treatment helps both the users and the functioning of the family structure.⁶
When a batterer puts a client or child at risk, family therapy approaches should not be used.
According to research, treatment participation and functioning improved through Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT).⁷
The evaluation of outpatient therapies for adolescent substance abuse aggregated information from 17 studies since 1998 and identified Multidimensional Family Therapy, Functional Family Therapy, and group CBT as well-established models for addiction treatment.⁸

More Guides on Specialized Treatment

Sources and Citations

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “FAMILY THERAPY CAN HELP.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 2013, store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma13-4784.pdf.
Grupa, Tom. “How Much Does Therapy Cost?” Thervo, 28 Oct. 2022, thervo.com/costs/how-much-does-therapy-cost. Varghese, Mathew, et al. “Family Interventions: Basic Principles and Techniques.” Indian Journal of Psychiatry, Medknow, Jan. 2020, https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_770_19.
Cherry, Kendra. “How Structural Family Therapy Works.” Verywell Mind, Mar. 2023, www.verywellmind.com/what-is-structural-family-therapy-5193068.
Cherry, Kendra. “What Is Strategic Family Therapy?” Verywell Mind, Feb. 2022, www.verywellmind.com/strategic-family-therapy-definition-types-techniques-and-efficacy-5216431.
Cherry, Kendra. “How Family Therapy Works.” Verywell Mind, Apr. 2023, www.verywellmind.com/family-therapy-definition-types-techniques-and-efficacy-5190233.
Zajac, Kristyn, et al. “Multisystemic Therapy for Externalizing Youth.” Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, vol. 24, no. 3, Elsevier BV, July 2015, pp. 601–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2015.02.007.
Neukrug, Edward S. “The SAGE Encyclopedia of Theory in Counseling and Psychotherapy.” SAGE Publications, Inc. eBooks, Jan. 2015, https://doi.org/10.4135/9781483346502. Moonhouse. “Home - EFFT.” EFFT, 2 June 2022, efft.org.
GoodTherapy Editor Team. Collaborative Therapy. 27 Nov. 2017, www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/collaborative-therapy.
“Cognitive–Behavioral Family Therapy.” American Psychological Association, www.apa.org/pubs/videos/4310891. Accessed 15 May 2023.
“Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT).” https://www.apa.org, 1 Jan. 2011, www.apa.org/pi/about/publications/caregivers/practice-settings/intervention/community-reinforcement.
“Functional Family Therapy (FFT).” Department of Human Services, 2022, dhs.dc.gov/page/functional-family-therapy-fft.
Bodner, Nadja, et al. “Affective Family Interactions and Their Associations With Adolescent Depression: A Dynamic Network Approach.” Development and Psychopathology, vol. 30, no. 4, Cambridge UP, Nov. 2017, pp. 1459–73. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0954579417001699.
Carr, Alan. “Family Therapy and Systemic Interventions for Child-focused Problems: The Current Evidence Base.” Journal of Family Therapy, vol. 41, no. 2, Wiley-Blackwell, Apr. 2019, pp. 153–213 https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12226.
Jiménez, Lucía, et al. “Effectiveness of Structural–Strategic Family Therapy in the Treatment of Adolescents With Mental Health Problems and Their Families.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 16, no. 7, MDPI, Apr. 2019, p. 1255. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16071255.
Horigian, Viviana E., et al. “A Cross-sectional Assessment of the Long Term Effects of Brief Strategic Family Therapy for Adolescent Substance Use.” American Journal on Addictions, vol. 24, 457, Wiley-Blackwell, Oct. 2015, pp. 637–45. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajad.12278.
Kirby, Kimberly C., et al. “Developing Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) for Parents of Treatment-Resistant Adolescents.” Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, vol. 24, no. 3, Haworth Press, Mar. 2015, pp. 155–65. https://doi.org/10.1080/1067828x.2013.777379.
Esteban, Jessica, et al. “Effects of Family Therapy for Substance Abuse: A Systematic Review of Recent Research.” Family Process, Wiley-Blackwell, Dec. 2022, https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12841.
Hogue, Aaron, et al. “Couple and Family Therapy for Substance Use Disorders: Evidence‐based Update 2010–2019.” Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, vol. 48, no. 1, Wiley-Blackwell, Aug. 2021, pp. 178–203. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12546.
Waldron, Holly Barrett, and Charles F. Turner. “Evidence-Based Psychosocial Treatments for Adolescent Substance Abuse.” Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, vol. 37, no. 1, Taylor and Francis, Apr. 2008, pp. 238–61. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374410701820133.

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