Court-Involved Therapy
Specialized Support for Children & Families Navigating the Legal System
When families are involved in divorce, custody disputes, or other legal proceedings, therapy can become more complex. Children may be navigating changes in their family structure, conflict between caregivers, transitions between homes, or uncertainty about relationships with important people in their lives.
At University Park Counseling & Testing Center, PLLC we provide therapy for court-involved children and families with careful attention to the unique clinical, ethical, and communication considerations these situations require.
Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive therapeutic environment while maintaining clear professional boundaries and keeping the focus on the emotional well-being of the client.
How Court-Involved Therapy Is Different
Court involvement can change the way therapy is structured. Our clinicians understand the importance of clearly defining the therapist’s role, reviewing relevant court orders, establishing expectations for parent communication, maintaining appropriate neutrality, and documenting services thoughtfully.
When appropriate, our clinicians may also coordinate with other professionals involved in the individual's care while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and therapeutic boundaries.
Reasons Families May Seek Court-Involved Therapy
Court-involved therapy may be appropriate for children and families experiencing:
-
Divorce or separation
-
High-conflict co-parenting
-
Custody or parenting-time disputes
-
Changes in parenting arrangements
-
Difficulty transitioning between households
-
Parent-child relationship concerns
-
Family stress related to ongoing litigation
-
Emotional or behavioral concerns occurring within the context of family court involvement
Treatment recommendations are individualized based on the needs of the child or family and the circumstances surrounding the referral.
Understanding the Therapist’s Role
Our role in court-involved therapy is therapeutic rather than forensic. UPC therapists do not determine custody, make recommendations regarding which parent should have primary possession, evaluate parental fitness, or serve as an advocate for either parent. The therapist’s primary responsibility is to the therapeutic needs and emotional well-being of the client.
Working With Parents & Professionals
Court-involved cases often involve multiple people and systems. When clinically appropriate and permitted, our team may communicate or coordinate with parents and caregivers, attorneys, parent facilitators or coordinators, schools, other mental health professionals, and other professionals involved in the child’s care. Clear expectations regarding communication, records, confidentiality, and the therapist’s role are established at the beginning of services.
Experience With Court-Involved Families
Court-involved therapy requires an understanding of both the clinical needs of families and the unique ethical and professional considerations that arise when therapy intersects with the legal system. UPC clinicians have experience working with children and families navigating divorce, custody disputes, high-conflict co-parenting, and other complex family circumstances. Our approach prioritizes the emotional well-being of the child while maintaining clear professional boundaries, thoughtful documentation, and appropriate neutrality. Our team is also experienced in navigating court orders, communication with caregivers and involved professionals, records requests, subpoenas, and other issues that may arise during treatment.
Dr. Jenifer Balch and Twila Farrar also provide professional training to mental health clinicians on ethical practice with court-involved families, including documentation, subpoenas, testimony, professional boundaries, and maintaining neutrality in high-conflict situations.
Referring a Court-Involved Family
Because every court-involved situation is different, our team reviews relevant information and available court orders before beginning services to determine whether UPC is an appropriate provider for the family.
Have questions or need to make a referral?
Contact our team to discuss he situation, current court involvement, and next steps.
Looking for supervised visitation rather than therapy?
Learn more about our supervised visitation services.