A death in the family, a move, or a long-running conflict between relatives can impact everyone in the household. The same happens when someone you love is living with a serious mental health condition. Family therapy gives everyone a place to work through these situations together, with a neutral therapist guiding the conversation. Many families find they talk more openly and feel closer after attending family therapy.
Northeast Health Services offers family, couples, and individual therapy at our clinics in Boston, Cambridge, Springfield, Worcester, and across Massachusetts. Call 508.794.8711 to speak with an intake specialist or fill out a brief form to get started.
What Family Therapy Involves
Family therapy is a form of talk therapy that includes the people who make up your family unit. That group can be broader than parents and children. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other close relatives who care about the family’s well-being could attend sessions, depending on the needs of the unit.
Many of our therapists have specific training in working with families. In sessions, they may help you notice patterns in how your family makes decisions, practice difficult conversations through role play, or set new boundaries and routines at home. The goal is for each person to feel heard and for the family to find workable ways forward.
Situations That Often Bring Families In
Families often turn to therapy during a major change, when a disagreement has gone unresolved, or when they want to support a relative with a health concern. Common examples include:
- A child receiving a new diagnosis, such as anxiety or ADHD
- A newly blended family finding new rhythms
- Grief after losing someone close
- A sudden upheaval, such as relocating or losing a job
- A relative living with a serious chronic illness
- A disagreement between family members that affects the whole household
- An adopted child working through their story with their adoptive family
- A frightening event, such as a house fire or an act of violence, that affected one person or everyone
What Families Gain from Attending Therapy Together
Taking an honest look at family dynamics can pay off for years. Families who attend therapy together often report:
- Closer relationships: Working toward a shared goal builds trust over time.
- Conflict that finally settles: A neutral, trained therapist can help families move past arguments that have dragged on at home.
- Kinder, clearer communication: Therapists teach practical ways to speak and listen.
- More understanding of one another: Seeing how your family’s patterns work often softens how members view each other.
- Better mental health: When one person is struggling, learning together how to support them can lead to lasting change.
How to Get Started with NEHS
Whatever has brought your family in, we want the process to be easy. Here’s what you can expect:
- Call 508.794.8711 or complete a short intake form. Our team will learn about your concerns and match you with a therapist who has experience dealing with similar concerns.
- Review insurance, copays, and any self-pay costs ahead of time.
- Book your first session, either in person or by telehealth.
- Ask your therapist whether individual therapy, psychiatry, or other support might help. Our providers coordinate with one another so your care stays in one place.
- Continue for as long as it helps. You and your therapist will create a plan together, which can change as needed.
Cost & Insurance
Insurance may cover family therapy, particularly when a family member has a diagnosed mental health condition, since that often makes the service billable. When coverage isn’t available, our intake team will explain what each session will cost before you start.
NEHS is in-network with most major plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Call 508.794.8711 to ask about your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs you can expect.
Call Northeast Health Services for Family Support Across Massachusetts
Our clinics bring together therapists and prescribers with different specialties, certifications, and life experiences. That range allows us to see individuals, couples, and families of any age and at any level of need. Call 508.794.8711 to talk with an intake specialist or schedule your first visit.
FAQs About Family Therapy
What happens during a family therapy session?
Most of the work involves understanding how your family currently interacts and then changing the patterns that aren’t helping. When one member is facing a particular challenge, sessions may focus on how to support that person while protecting everyone’s well-being.
Is there a difference between family therapy and family counseling?
Generally, no. Clinics and clinicians often use the two terms interchangeably. What matters more is that your provider is a qualified provider who has worked with families in situations like yours.
How should we get ready for our first family therapy session?
Ask each person attending to jot down questions or concerns beforehand. Arriving with those notes helps your therapist make sure everyone gets time to speak.
What are some reasons a family might need therapy?
Divorce or a separation, helping children adjust to a blended family, supporting someone with a new medical or mental health diagnosis, and processing a loss or large life change are among the most common.
