REUNIFICATION THERAPY
The goal of Reunification Therapy is to restore the parent-child relationship within the context of a high-conflict divorce or separation. Family members will usually be asked to participate in Reunification Therapy if a parenting plan, assigned by the court system, is not being adhered to, when there has been a prolonged rupture in the parent-child, when a child is having difficulty establishing or maintaining a relationship with a parent, or when there is conflict between a parent and a child. There are several factors that need to be taken into consideration to accommodate the needs of each family.
Reunification Therapy is a court ordered intervention and Emerge Psychology Group requires a court order to start these services.
How long does Reunification Therapy take?
Due to the complex nature of these cases, progress is best assessed on a short-term basis and the length of treatment may vary.
The following factors will be considered:
1. Age of the children
2. Length of rupture in the parent-child relationship
3. Level of resistance of visitation of children
4. Factors that led to parent estrangement
5. Level of cooperation of each parent
6. Number of children involved in the reunification process.
What does the process of Reunification Therapy entail?
The first step consists of a phone conversation to discuss the case. Any court-related documentation that make reference to reunification therapy will be requested, as well as releases of information, signed by all parties, that will allow Emerge Psychology Group to communicate with case attorneys, treating professionals, and the Guardian ad Litem (if there is one assigned to the case). Additionally, we will provide a contract for services for each party to sign, indicating agreement with participation in reunification therapy.
Please note that reunification therapy does not involve confidentiality privileges due to its court-ordered nature.
The sessions that are involved in the reunification process have several components dependent on restrictions placed by the court.
Intake: Each parent separately will meet with the therapist for an intake session to gather historical information about the child, family, and couple that is relevant to the reunification process.
Sessions with the children: Depending on the situation, we may meet individually with the children in order to determine level of readiness for visitations with the non-timesharing parent, and each child living at home will also need to meet for an initial assessment.
Meeting with parents: We may request to meet with each parent separately to address concerns that arise in the individual sessions with the children. This will be an opportunity for the parents to obtain education on parenting skills that will support the reunification process and an adaptive home environment.
Visitations at the therapeutic office: Visitations between the non-timesharing parent and child will occur in the office within supportive but structured sessions.
Please be aware that, because of the complexity of these cases and various reactions children may experience, the reunification process is not a linear process and may involve repeating some of the components listed above more than once. Reunification is also not a guarantee and will be highly dependent on your involvement and follow through of clinical recommendations.
Why does my family need a Reunification Therapy specialist?
Many families who seek Reunification Therapy often wonder why their child(ren)'s individual psychotherapist cannot facilitate the reunification process. Reunification Therapy is a specific form of family therapy that requires a specialized approach. It establishes different goals than those in traditional psychotherapy and often times these goals cannot be integrated by the same clinician providing individual therapy services.
Additionally, Reunification Therapy requires that the reunification clinician have legal knowledge and experience in the courtroom and most traditional therapists do not receive this type of training. It is important that your reunification therapist not only feels comfortable working with children, adolescents, and families, but has experience working with the legal system.
Is Reunification Therapy covered under my insurance?
We recommend asking about coverage for Reunification Therapy with your insurance. Insurance companies typically base reimbursement on medical necessity, which is determined based on the existence of a physical or mental illness. Reunification Therapy does not usually qualify for this definition and costs associated with Reunification Therapy will likely be on an out-of-pocket basis.
Questions about payments for Reunification Therapy?
A retainer for services may be required at the onset of the reunification process. Reunification Therapy differs from traditional psychotherapy because the legal nature of this process requires therapists to provide services that extend beyond weekly sessions. We have to consult with other professionals involved in your case, such as other treatment providers, case managers, Guardians at Litem, and attorneys. Additionally, we may provide the court with written reports and participate in court appearances.
The retainer fee will ensure that these extended services are being covered and the reunification process occurs smoothly and in a timely manner. We will determine cost and fees based on various factors of your individual case, such as number of children involved and will discuss payment plans with you and your family upon initial contact.